US20030110140A1 - Method for facilitating pricing, sale and distribution of fuel to a customer - Google Patents

Abstract

New and improved systems and methods for facilitating sale and distribution of fuel to a fuel customer. Such systems and methods include and involve a server facility configured to store fuel deal data and to process such fuel deal data to automatically generate pricing data based on the fuel deal data and in accordance with a pre-determined pricing technique. The system and method also include and involve a client facility that is coupled to the server facility via an electronic data network and which is configured to permit a user to enter such fuel deal data and to cause the server facility to store and process the fuel deal data to generate the pricing data. As such, fuel may be sold and distributed to a fuel customer via a fuel distribution system based on the fuel deal data and the automatically generated pricing data.

Description

• Attached hereto is a compact disc containing computer software and data including executable programs, scripts, and database management system tables that are used to implement the systems and methods provided by the present invention. More particularly, the attached compact disc contains software and data used to implement at least two distinct applications comprising the systems and methods provided by the present invention; such two distinct applications include a broad-based, general use energy management system (referred to as the Energy Management System “EMS”), and a limited user/function restricted application (referred to as the Producer Control Center “PCC”) intended for use by fuel producers needing access to centrally stored and managed fuel deal data. Such material is protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States (17 U.S.C. § 101, et seq.) and may not be copied without the express, written authorization of the copyright holder (Highland Energy Corporation). Copyright © 2001, Highland Energy Corporation. All Rights Reserved. [0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention [0002]
• The present invention relates to systems and methods used to facilitate pricing, sale, and distribution of fuel to a customer. More particularly, the present invention is directed to automated systems and methods that are used to price fuels such as natural gas, oil, gas, other petroleum based fuels, etc., to facilitate commodity sales of such fuels, and to distribute such fuels to customers, and to track and report sales and distribution related data. [0003]
• 2. Description of the Related Art [0004]
• Fuel sales and distribution systems and techniques are well known. Everyday millions of fuel sale contracts are completed in the U.S. and abroad. Fuels produced by a range of producers are transported over many modes of transportation (e.g., gas pipelines, etc.) to ultimately arrive at an intended destination. The steps involved in pricing fuel, selling a reserve, storing reserves, and ultimately transporting purchased fuel involve many parties including producers, agents, brokers, other middlemen and, ultimately, end customers. All of these parties have their own unique ways of doing business, reporting sale and purchase data, and collecting and paying against agreed upon contracts. [0005]
• Unfortunately, many of the steps and processes carried out to facilitate fuel sales and distribution are archaic, inefficient, and, often, paper-based. Such inefficient ways of doing business cause many parties to engage large teams of personnel to manage the intricate details often involved in fuel sale and distribution. Fuel deal pricing provides a good example of the inefficiencies involved in moving large volumes of natural gas and other fuels. [0006]
• Typically, pricing fuel deals in the natural gas arena involves manual processes related to gathering fuel index rates, manually computing sales prices across a multitude of fuel sales deals, laboriously factoring in transportation and other tangential costs, and managing for fuel overages and short falls often associated with transportation anomalies, etc. These processes typically involve the efforts of large teams of personnel within organizations who are required to constantly monitor sales deals, set pricing limits for sales people, and track and record fuel deal progress. [0007]
• While many systems have been developed to facilitate sale and distribution of fuel and other products, commodities, and services in general, no systems developed to date can effectively management the volume of transactions among a wide array of parties to efficiently and effectively get fuel from one place to another. Moreover, existing systems have heretofore not been able to facilitate pricing practices that factor in past fuel deal data across a multitude of prior fuel deals to better drive profit margins in the commodities and brokerage fields. [0008]
• Accordingly, there exists a serious need to provide systems and methods that enable centralized location and management of fuel deal data, provide for application of pre-determined pricing techniques based on such fuel deal data, facilitate broad-based reporting based on such centrally stored fuel deal data to drive better business practices for parties to fuel deals, and increase productivity and make more efficient fuel sale and distribution practices. The present invention squarely addresses such a need and provides a new and improved systems and methods for facilitating fuel sale and distribution. [0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention solves the problems mentioned above with regard to prior systems and methods used to facilitate sale and distribution of fuel to a customer. By squarely addressing the limitations of prior systems and methods, the present invention provides new and improved systems and methods that permit a wide array of users to broadly access a central data store to create and manage fuel deal data. Such new and improved systems and methods further permit the inclusion of pricing processes into existing business processes that are based on prior fuel deal data and which take into account prior prices charged across collections of prior fuel deal contracts. [0010]
• Accordingly, the present invention provides new and improved systems and methods for facilitating sale and distribution of fuel to a fuel customer. Such systems and methods include and involve a server facility configured to store fuel deal data and to process such fuel deal data to automatically generate pricing data based on the fuel deal data and in accordance with a pre-determined pricing technique. The system and method also include and involve a client facility that is coupled to the server facility via an electronic data network and which is configured to permit a user to enter such fuel deal data and to cause the server facility to store and process the fuel deal data to generate the pricing data. As such, fuel may be sold and distributed to a fuel customer via a fuel distribution system based on the fuel deal data and the automatically generated pricing data.[0011]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the following drawing figures, of which: [0012]
• FIG. 1 is a timing diagram that depicts process flows within a business process that facilitates sale and distribution of fuel to customers in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0013]
• FIG. 2 is a system diagram in which client systems can access server system(s) to facilitate sale and distribution of fuel to customers in accordance with the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0014]
• FIG. 3A is an entity relationship diagram that depicts data relationships among tables and corresponding table entries used to implement the systems that carry out the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0015]
• FIG. 3B is another entity relationship diagram that depicts data relationships among tables and corresponding table entries used to implement the systems that carry out the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0016]
• FIG. 3C is another entity relationship diagram that depicts data relationships among tables and corresponding table entries used to implement the systems that carry out the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0017]
• FIG. 3D is another entity relationship diagram that depicts data relationships among tables and corresponding table entries used to implement the systems that carry out the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0018]
• FIG. 3E is another entity relationship diagram that depicts data relationships among tables and corresponding table entries used to implement the systems that carry out the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0019]
• FIG. 3F is another entity relationship diagram that depicts data relationships among tables and corresponding table entries used to implement the systems that carry out the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0020]
• FIG. 3G is another entity relationship diagram that depicts data relationships among tables and corresponding table entries used to implement the systems that carry out the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0021]
• FIG. 3H is another entity relationship diagram that depicts data relationships among tables and corresponding table entries used to implement the systems that carry out the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0022]
• FIG. 3I is another entity relationship diagram that depicts data relationships among tables and corresponding table entries used to implement the systems that carry out the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0023]
• FIG. 3J is another entity relationship diagram that depicts data relationships among tables and corresponding table entries used to implement the systems that carry out the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0024]
• FIG. 3K is another entity relationship diagram that depicts data relationships among tables and corresponding table entries used to implement the systems that carry out the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0025]
• FIG. 3L is another entity relationship diagram that depicts data relationships among tables and corresponding table entries used to implement the systems that carry out the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0026]
• FIG. 3M is another entity relationship diagram that depicts data relationships among tables and corresponding table entries used to implement the systems that carry out the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0027]
• FIG. 3N is another entity relationship diagram that depicts data relationships among tables and corresponding table entries used to implement the systems that carry out the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0028]
• FIG. 4A is another screen shot of a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0029]
• FIG. 4B is another screen shot of a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0030]
• FIG. 4C is another screen shot of a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0031]
• FIG. 4D is another screen shot of a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0032]
• FIG. 4E is another screen shot of a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0033]
• FIG. 4F is another screen shot of a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0034]
• FIG. 4G is another screen shot of a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0035]
• FIG. 4H is another screen shot of a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0036]
• FIG. 4I is another screen shot of a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0037]
• FIG. 4J is another screen shot of a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0038]
• FIG. 4K is another screen shot of a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0039]
• FIG. 4L is another screen shot of a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0040]
• FIG. 4M is another screen shot of a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0041]
• FIG. 4N is another screen shot of a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0042]
• FIG. 4O is another screen shot of a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0043]
• FIG. 4P is another screen shot of a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0044]
• FIG. 4Q is another screen shot of a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1; [0045]
• FIG. 5A is a flow chart that illustrates the operations carried out to effect a pricing technique and, in particular, one that effectuates a weighted average sales price for fuel deals in accordance with a preferred embodiment of present invention; and [0046]
• FIG. 5B is the conclusion of the flowchart started in FIG. 5A.[0047]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• The present invention is now described in detail with regard to the drawing figures that were briefly described above. The systems and methods described herein are illustrative of the exemplary system implemented by way of computer software within a networked data processing environment and which is contained within multiple files housed on the compact disc that is appended to this patent document. Accordingly, the discussion that follows refers to such an exemplary system and those skilled in the art are encouraged to review such appended software in the context of fuel deal management for a complete understanding of the present invention. As noted at the beginning of this patent document, the material contained on the attached compact disc is protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States (17 U.S.C. § 101, et seq.) and may not be copied without the express, written authorization of the copyright holder (Highland Energy Corporation). Copyright © 2001, Highland Energy Corporation. All Rights Reserved. [0048]
• Referring now to FIG. 1, depicted therein is a timing diagram corresponding to the business process carried out within an organization to facilitate sale and distribution of fuel to a customer and which may be set up to utilize the systems and methods provided by the present invention. In particular, FIG. 1, illustrates a monthly or periodic business process involving several phases of operation that are carried out by the systems and methods provided by the present invention including, but not limited to: an availability phase, a bidding phase, a nominating (e.g., gas pipeline nominations, etc.) and routing phase, a third party and sanctioned sales period, a pricing period, an invoicing period, and an accounting period. Together, these periods make up what is referred to herein as a MONTH OF FLOW PROCESS (MFP). The MFP is described next to further illustrate the business operations that are handled by the systems and methods provided by the present invention. [0049]
THE MONTH OF FLOW PROCESS (MFP) Availability Period
• During the availability period of the month of flow process, equity contracts for sale and distribution of fuel (those that need to roll from month to month) are established for the next month. These purchase deals define the anticipated volumes by well/meter for each producer. The status for the production month needs are set to ‘Availability’ at this point. Then, correspondence is transferred (via fax, email and phone conversations) to the various operators/producers in order to confirm the anticipated volumes to be produced. [0050]
• The anticipated production volume for an entire well/meter is then entered into the system. An entitlement and makeup percentage is used to indicate how much of this volume is actually available to be marketed (represents the owner interest in the production of the well/meter). New deals are setup on the system to represent the new month's purchases. The package description is utilized to assist with easy recognition of volumes, price, etc. (used for identification purposes only). There is a process built within the system to automate the propagation of new deals to the next month (first time into a new month will automatically generate entries for the new month with zero volume amounts). The actual volume stored on the system (at this point) is zero. Only the nominated volumes contain the expected volumes for the production month. These “nominated” volumes are equal to the estimates provided by the producers and entered into the system during this part of the month of flow. The primary area of the system utilized is the ‘Availability’ functions (off the system's main menu.) [0051]
Bid Week Period
• During the bid week of the month of flow process, buyers are found for the volumes that were made available through the availability step described above. The status of the production month of the system needs is set to “Sales” at this point. By setting the status to ‘Sales’ all of the price indices will be initially populated and ‘seeded’ with zero values. Each of the sales is confirmed by a dealmaker and is written up on a deal log sheet. These deal log sheets reflect the pipe/field, meter/well, company, contract, volume, and pricing instructions to support the sale. Prior to completing a deal, the dealmaker will work closely with the volume control group to ensure that appropriate volumes will be available at the well/meter of sale. The dealmakers then complete the deal log sheet entries for the sale and they are transferred to the volume control group for deal creation and entry into the system. Most of the volumes sold during this particular phase are for the equity purchase deals created during the availability period. [0052]
Nominating and Routing
• During the nominating and routing period of the month of flow process, the volumes to support the sales are routed from the producer's well/meters to the sales wells/meters (primarily to pooling points or field tanks). This process occurs throughout the entire month. When the volumes are routed to specific pool wells/meters, allowances are automatically made by the system for fuel, gathering and transport costs. These costs will net down the actual available volumes that can be applied to the sales deals. When volumes are routed to a pool/tank then these volumes reflect as ‘Transport Out volumes’. The volumes then show up as “Transported In” (net fuel) on the receiving meter/well within the system. The primary area with the System utilized during this process is the “Route Volume” menu option within the Routing module (main menu selection of ‘Routing’ on the System. [0053]
Third Party Deals and Sanctioned Sales
• During the Third Party Deals and Sanctioned Sales of the month of flow process, the dealmakers complete the third party deals. These deals are typically setup where a specific purchase deal (non equity type) is made to support a specific sales deal. These types of deals will usually have a specific price agreement and volume associated with them. Sanctioned sales represent sales from equity volumes with specific terms (prices, volumes, etc.) to specific sales meters. A sales price for a specific volume is set in advance of the production month with these types of deals. All third party deals are excluded from Weighted Average Sales Price (WASP) calculations as discussed below with regard to FIGS. 5A and 5B (each third party purchase volume exists within its own WASP pool (‘None’)). All sanction sales deals are included within the WASP calculation but EACH combination sanction sales (purchase-to-sale) will utilize a ‘Dedicated’ WASP pool during the calculation. In this way, sanction sale costs etc. PLUS netback percentages can be applied. All equity deals combined with the ‘Common’ WASP pool where costs and prices are aggregated by meter/well based on volume weightings. All deals actually go through the calculation in order determine margins. However, the calculation has been setup to ensure that third party, sanctioned sale and equity pools are calculated without interfering with each other. [0054]
Pricing
• During the pricing period of the month of flow process, all monthly index based prices are entered immediately when published. These are usually entered just before the beginning of the production month. Daily prices are keyed or otherwise entered throughout the month as they are received. When deals are setup the ‘Pricing’ function within the System is used to actually calculate a price for the deal (‘Price’ tab on deal detail screen). Each evening, for example, the ‘Price All Deals’ function of the System is started. This particular function will re-price all deals for the entire month (Price+WASP calculations). For months in the ‘Sales’ phase, the nominations are re-priced and recalculated. For months in the ‘invoiced’ phase, the pipe/field actuals are re-priced and recalculated. In addition, to this periodic process, an option exists within the System to price production months throughout a day, for example. Below, with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the details related to fuel deal pricing are described. The ability of the present invention to incorporate a pricing technique such as one that is predetermined and implemented as a modular component of a larger software system, represents a significant point of novelty to which the present invention is directed. [0055]
Invoicing
• During the invoicing period of the month of flow process, invoices for all of the sales for the previous month are produced. This represents the final step of the month within the system. All marketing individuals directly involved with the system for the month (controllers, dealmakers, etc.) are informed that the month is closing out and that invoices are now being produced. The status for the production month is changed to ‘Invoiced’. A final nomination calculation is automatically done with the status updated. Accounting is then notified that the month has been completed. Invoicing reports are then run for the month and sent to the buyers by an accounting group, for example. Additional reports may be run (Sales By Pipe/Field, Purchase By Producer, Balancing Reports, Pipeline Statement Comparison Reports, etc.) by the accounting group for historical reference and reconciliation. [0056]
Accounting
• During the accounting period of the month of flow process, an accounting group creates a revenue and journal entry feed to track receivables within an automated accounting system. This feed is created directly out of the system. Pipe/Field statements begin appearing beginning as early as the [0057] 15 ^th of the month. These statements represent volumes (by well/meter) for the previous month. Each accounting analyst is responsible for a specific set of pipe/fields. The volumes from these statements are entered as actuals into the system. A copy of the Pipe/Field statements are sent to the controllers for sign off. Accounting analysts then balance all of the purchase meter routing information for their respective pipe/fields. Accounting analysts then balance all of the sales meters for their respective pipe/fields. Accounting analysts then adjust any route volumes that cross pipe/fields to ensure interconnect balances are synchronized with pipe/field statements. Reconciliation and voucher reports can be run immediately after the production month is promoted to ‘Accounting’ phase (meaning accounting is finished with the month). These reports can then be sent to producers and/or entered into to accounting system.
AN EXEMPLARY SYSTEM
• Referring now to FIG. 2, depicted therein is a diagram of an exemplary system in which client systems can access server system(s) to facilitate sale and distribution of fuel to customers in accordance with the business process (MFP) illustrated in FIG. 1. In particular, [0058] system 100 includes both server(s) 102 and client systems 104. Additionally, a database management system and corresponding data store 106 (hereinafter data store 106) is used to store fuel deal data and programs. Servers 102 are configured to be accessed via wide area network connections such as those facilitated via the Internet using open standards based protocols. Client systems 106 are configured with software contained on the appended compact disc to access servers 102 to engage in fuel deal operations such as those described with reference to the month of flow process (MFP) discussed above with regard to FIG. 1.
• In FIG. 2, client systems [0059] 104 may be configured as desktop computing systems, wireless computing clients, etc. to access servers 102. Such access may be made possible via applications and technology such as dbOvernet TCP/IP Socket Connection Middleware. Furthermore, servers 102 execute common SEServer applications and routines utilizing dbOvernet middleware technology.
• Within the processing space of [0060] servers 102, a database server system such as Microsoft's SQLServer V.7.03 (a DBMS engine) may be instantiated. Such a database management system may control data store 106 and may be configured in accordance with the present invention to maintain all fuel deal data in accordance with the present invention.
• The following discussion further defines an exemplary arrangement for a client-server system implemented in accordance with the present invention: [0061]
SERVERS
• MS Windows NT 4.0 (SP6) may be chosen as a Network Operating System. [0062]
• The DBMS may be Microsoft's SQL-Server (V7.0x)—[0063] Service Pack 3. All data generated and processed within the context of the present invention is stored in MS SQL-Server database tables. Such data is accessed via direct SQL statements (embedded in Windows applications, stored procedures, forms, and reports). There are several database views that have been setup to access aggregated information (for performance and consistency). In addition, all of the critical calculations and time consuming procedures such as pricing calculations, routing and rollover processes, etc. are written as Transact-SQL stored procedures and are contained on the attached compact disc and are discussed in further detail below in the embedded description-tables found herein.
• The SEServer may be a Middleware Server Application. The system database is accessed via middleware software that uses TCP/IP (SEServer/dbOvernet). All databases queried through the system come through this middleware component. [0064]
• SECrystal (Crystal Reporting Engine Server Application) may be used for server side reporting functions, etc. All reports for the system utilizes a remote Crystal Reporting engine (SECrystal) server. These reports are run and saved on the server for electronic distribution. Crystal Report (V8.0) from Seagate Software is used for this function. [0065]
• The SEFax (Fax Server Application) may be used for Fax distribution. This server application is responsible for sending out reports via a fax device. This software monitors a specific directory and when a fax file ‘shows up’ in the directory it will be faxed. [0066]
• The MAPI Mail Client Software provides Email (like Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express). The MAPI compliant email service needs to be running on the same machine as the report engine server (SECrystal). This provides the ability to email reports (Correspondence) automatically. Options should be set on this client to automatically check (send/receive) at periodic intervals. [0067]
• The Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free PDF Viewer) is used to view reports, etc. The server machine that runs the SECrystal reporting server application needs to also have the PDF viewer installed. This is used in order to ‘spool’ to paper the print jobs. [0068]
WEB ACCESS—NETWORK CONNECTIVITY
• All functions within the System are available over the Internet (with appropriate security). An individual wishing to log in to the system over the Internet will need to have appropriate application security to log in, the current application executable program (as contained on the attached compact disc) and an ISP account. System administrators will need to furnish access site addresses (e.g., IP addresses, domain names, etc.) to users to address the systems provided by the present invention. [0069]
CLIENT SYSTEMS
• Client systems may utilize a Client Operating System such as MS-Windows 95/98/Me; MS-Windows NT 4.0/2000. TCP/IP network protocol is required. Access to the server TCP/IP address (either LOCAL address or REMOTE address is required.) [0070]
• The system typically includes a single .EXE file(s) (plus approximately 8 disk compression and graphics DLL's). The system application require only a single executable with a few DLL's to reside on the client machine. No other client configuration software is required. Upgrades to the client software are automatically done when a user first connects (logs in) through the Internet (on application startup). A version number check will be made if necessary and a new installation program and script are automatically downloaded. [0071]
• The Adobe Acrobat Reader (FREE PDF view) is used as a reporting system for files saved in the PDF 1.2 format. The default output for all reports on the system is the standard PDF format. This provides for email/electronic storage. In order to view reports this software (or other third party viewer with a file association to .pdf files) needs to exist on the client machine. [0072]
• The MAPI Mail Client Software is used for electronic mail communications. A MAPI compliant email service needs to be running on the client machine to be able to highlight a report and email it using the client email address list. This software is not required to run the but is required to take advantage of the system's ability to attach reports automatically within an email client. [0073]
• All client applications are written using DELPHI (V5+) including [0074] Delphi 3^rd party tools and procedures. Such applications and stored procedures and identified 3^rd party tools are further described in the description-tables found below.
DATABASES, AND CORRESPONDING ENTITY RELATIONSHIPS
• The various database tables that make up the system have been divided into nine (9) database subject areas. A subject area within this context is simply a logical aggregation of tables that support a particular business or system function. All of the database tables physically reside in the same database, but are not required to so reside. Only the documentation (as described below) has been constructed to illustrate these subject areas. It is also important to note that there are linkages (not documented here) between the various subject areas. [0075]
• These database subject areas and a description include: [0076]
• Companies: All company related tables (including company name, contact name, addresses functions, etc.). [0077]
• Contracts: All contract related tables (including contract provisions, notes, default standard reporting, etc.). [0078]
• Deals: All deal related tables (includes other costs, deal classes, correspondence, etc.). [0079]
• Volume Inventory: All volume inventory tables (includes production interests, daily monthly, calculated values, etc.). [0080]
• Operational: All tables that were created to support the system (software application). These tables include fax queue tables, printer definition tables, system logs, system messages, reporting tables, etc. [0081]
• Pipes/Fields: All pipe/field and meter/well related tables. [0082]
• Pricing: All tables within the system that are related to pricing (indices, price descriptions, baskets, etc.). [0083]
• Routing: All tables within the system that define routes (leg definitions, daily leg rates, monthly leg rates, nom and actual volume routing instructions, etc.). [0084]
• Security: All security related tables within the system (includes user, logins, passwords, business functions, etc.). [0085]
• The above-described nine (9) logical database subject areas are next broken down into the actual tables that reside on the attached compact disc. For purposes of brevity, such database subject areas are broken down in the following tables: [0086]
• Table Descriptions [0087]
• Below is an inventory of the various database tables that are utilized by the Energy Management System. This particular inventory indicates the current number of rows (through January 2001), the database (MS SQL Server) and the database subject areas (logical grouping of tables). [0088]

  				Subject
  Ref #	Table Name	Rows	Database	Area	Description/Comments

  Companies

  Subject Area

  1.0	Address	1,384	SQL Server	Companies	Contains record entries for each address for all
  					companies and contacts within companies
  					(multiple address types per company and/or
  					contact).
  2.0	Company	1,242	SQL Server	Companies	Contains a record entry for each company in
  					the database. Information on this table
  					includes company name, fax, phone and
  					primary address reference identifier.
  3.0	Contact_Group	908	SQL Server	Companies	Contains a record entry for each contact group
  					relationship. This is the mechanism for
  					grouping company contact individuals..
  4.0	Contact_GroupNames	8	SQL Server	Companies	Contains a record entry for each contact group
  					name.
  5.0	ContactFunction	997	SQL Server	Companies	Contains a record entry showing the contact to
  					function relationships for a given company.
  6.0	Contacts	3,347	SQL Server	Companies	Contains a record entry for each individual
  					contact in the database. Includes full name,
  					phone, fax, email, title, etc.

  Contracts

  Subject Area

  10.0	K	1,414	SQL Server	Contracts	This table contains a record entry for each
  					contract within the system. Bank information
  					(ABA), Evergreen indicators, termination date,
  					fixed pricing, etc. type data attributes are stored
  					on these records. Each contract on the system
  					has an associated parent ‘company’ (on the
  					Company table).
  11.0	KNetBack	334	SQL Server	Contracts	This table contains the netback pricing tiers
  					associated with a given contract. The parent
  					table for this entity is the contract table (K).
  					The netback pricing tiers are volume and date
  					influenced.
  12.0	Knotes	589	SQL Server	Contracts	This table contains an optional record entry for
  					each contract on the system. If there are no
  					notes associated with a contract then the
  					records are not inserted on the database. This
  					provides the users with a free form area for
  					keeping notes about a contract.
  13.0	Kproducts	1,049	SQL Server		This table contains a reference to the products
  					that are available (oil, gas, liquids, etc.) for a
  					given contract. A product has to be associated
  					to a contract before a deal can be setup using
  					that contract for that product.
  14.0	KreportDefaults	48	SQL Server		This table contains the entire standard
  					reporting defaults for a particular entity. These
  					reports include invoices, remittance, vouchers,
  					deal confirmations, etc.
  15.0	KreportOverrides	0	SQL Server		If a particular contract has its own unique
  					standard reports then a reference to these
  					unique reports is stored in this table for the
  					contract in question.
  16.0	Kservices	1,068	SQL Server		This table contains a reference to the services
  					that are available (marketing, end user, pass
  					thru, etc.) for a given contract. A service has to
  					be associated to a contract before a deal can
  					be setup using that contract for that service.

  Deals

  Subject Area

  20.0	RdealClass	6	SQL Server	Deals	This table is a reference table that indicates the
  					types of deal class options that are available.
  					The context of each class is 0 = Purchases,
  					1 = Sales and 2 = Both. The description field
  					indicates the possible answers (but the
  					rDealClassA table contains the actual answers
  					that can be applied).
  21.0	RdealClassA	23	SQL Server	Deals	This table is a reference table that indicates the
  					possible deal classification options for each of
  					the classifications defined in the rDealClass
  					table.
  22.0	RdealClassRules	448	SQL Server	Deals	This table contains record entries for every
  					combination of deal classification answers
  					(rDealClassA table). Each of these
  					classification options can have its own set of
  					calculation rules/etc associated with it.
  23.0	Engine_Master	39,149	SQL Server	Deals	This table contains a record entry for each price
  					entry effective date (header record).
  24.0	Engine_MasterPrice	79,244	SQL Server	Deals	This particular table contains the individual
  					pricing components associated to a given deal
  					on a given effective date (parent record is on
  					the Engine_Master table). When the user of
  					the Energy Management System enters a
  					price, this is the table that gets updated.
  25.0	Package	65,351	SQL Server	Deals	This table contains a record for each deal that
  					has been setup on the system. Start Date, End
  					Date, Deal Name, Contract, Company, etc. are
  					specified on this table.
  26.0	PackageCosts	381	SQL Server	Deals	This table contains entries for all ‘other costs’
  					associated with a given deal. Each of these
  					‘other costs’ will have unique STID's (deal or
  					meter level) and have calculated ‘Engine’
  					records automatically generated (when a
  					calculation runs).
  27.0	PackageCorrespondence	3,447	SQL Server	Deals	This table contains entries for all of the
  					electronic correspondence between the parties
  					to the deal (deal confirmations, availability
  					reports, remittance detail, vouchers, etc.).
  28.0	PriceComponents	19	SQL Server	Deals	This table contain record entries for each
  					component that can be set aside for pricing
  					purposes (on a deal). Examples include
  					‘DAILY INDEX’, ‘MONTHLY INDEX’,
  					‘GATHERING’, etc. These tags will be
  					associated to each component of the price to
  					allow for future queries and reporting. In
  					addition, these tags will provide an audit trail of
  					all pricing related information.
  29.0	PriceDesc	33,877	SQL Server	Deals	This table contains a record for each deal
  					description (or comments) within the system.
  					These price description records (only 1 per
  					deal) provide the users with a place to put free
  					form text to help describe the price of the deal.

  Volume Inventory

  Subject Area

  30.0	Engine	280,970	SQL Server	Volume	This table contains record entries for each
  				Inventory	calculated transaction that the system attaches
  					to volume inventory items. Each transaction
  					has a unique STID (transaction id) that are
  					defined in the Engine_TransactionList table.
  					Indicators on this table determine the
  					disposition of the transaction.
  31.0	Engine_TransactionList	36	SQL Server	Volume	This table contains record entries that define all
  				Inventory	of the transactions that can be calculated and
  					stored in the Engine table. The STID field is
  					the unique transaction identifier.
  32.0	GasInv	159,501	SQL Server	Volume	This is the primary table were all volumes
  				Inventory	(nominated and actual) are maintained This
  					table contains the header record entries that
  					shows by month, company, transaction,
  					pipe/field & meter/well the nominated volume
  					and the estimated actual volumes. References
  					to price types, contracts, etc. are stored on
  					each record.
  33.0	GasInvD	4,145,617	SQL Server	Volume	This table contains the detail (DAILY)
  				Inventory	nominated and estimated actual volumes for
  					the GasInv table.
  34.0	ProdInterest	7,999	SQL Server	Volume	This table contains a record that lists the
  				Inventory	production interests that are held for a given
  					meter/well and contract (with date
  					effectiveness).
  35.0	ProdPkg	4,080	SQL Server	Volume	This table contains a record that indicates (by
  				Inventory	month) the contract and the deal ID of a deal
  					that was generated automatically within the
  					‘Availability’ (equity purchase deal creation)
  					area of the system.
  36.0	ProdSum	39,296	SQL Server	Volume	This table contains records that indicate (by
  				Inventory	month and meter/well) the gross mmbtu's and
  					the Btu factors.
  37.0	ProdVol	44,187	SQL Server	Volume	This table contains record entries (by month
  				Inventory	and meter/well) which show the receipt and
  					delivery mmbtu's per day.

  Operational

  Subject Area

  40	ApplicationMessages	55,882	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains a ‘rolling’ 7 day listing of all
  					application messages (such as those that are
  					displayed to the console during a calculation).
  41.0	ExceptionCategories	8	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains record entries to hold all of
  					the exception ‘reasons’ that will be used
  					whenever an exception even occurs. There
  					can be multiple types of exception categories.
  42.0	ExceptionList	2,171	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains entries for the actual
  					exception events that get logged by the system.
  					These represent an audit trail of non-normal or
  					error type information. This table is linked to
  					the ExceptionCategories table because each
  					exception event (in this table) requires a reason
  					category.
  43.0	LogTable	4	SQL Server	Operational	This table is used for debugging purposes only
  					and is not used in any screens or reports.
  44.0	PrinterDef	6	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains a record for each available
  					printer (including driver and port).
  45.0	RgasMonth	1,440	SQL Server	Operational	This is a reference table that contains a record
  					for each month from 1/1980 thru 12/2099. In
  					addition, this table also contains the status and
  					status update sequence number for the
  					particular month. This status is used in order to
  					enable/disable certain functions within the
  					Energy Management System throughout the
  					month.
  46.0	RGasMonthStatus	1,873	SQL Server	Operational	This represents a historical audit table that will
  					be updated every time the monthly status for a
  					given production month is modified (via triggers
  					on the RgasMonth table). This provides a
  					mechanism of identifying who & when the
  					changes were for the status, over time.
  47.0	SEMessages	1,251	SQL Server	Operational	All system messages are stored in this table.
  48.0	SEAudit		SQL Server	Operational	This table contains record entries for those
  					events that are deemed ‘auditable’. Some
  					examples include ‘Login’ events, Actualization
  					balancing events, standard report submission
  					events, etc.
  49.0	SEImages	2	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains record entries that contain
  					graphic images for the screen and reports used
  					throughout the system.
  50.0	SELocations	3	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains record entries that define
  					the server paths (network folder locations)
  					where certain key correspondence items are
  					found. For example (report location, deal
  					correspondence, etc).
  51.0	SEProcessingCodeTypes	15	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains the ‘Type’ codes to the
  					reference table ‘SEProcessingCodes’. An
  					example is the type code of ‘CONTRCTPRD’
  					which describes a reference code for contract
  					products.
  52.0	SEProcessingCodes	143	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains reference codes for various
  					fields used throughout the Energy Management
  					System.
  53.0	SERptsExecutedStats	19,117	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains record entries that lists the
  					start and end date and times for all reports that
  					were submitted. This provides statistics on
  					how long to execute/etc.
  54.0	SERptsGroupItems	218	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains entries of each specific
  					report that exists within a reporting tab (group)
  					within a specific reporting folder (category).
  55.0	SERptsGroups	36	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains a list of all available
  					reporting tabs (groups) within each reporting
  					folder (category).
  56.0	SERptsItemDetail	123	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains the list of all available
  					reports within the system.
  57.0	SERptsItemParms	657	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains record entries for each
  					report parameter for each report defined to the
  					system. Options exist for substituting a
  					different label name than actual parameter field
  					name.
  58.0	SERptsQueue	5,667	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains record entries for all
  					‘submitted’ reports (report queue). When
  					reports are automatically removed from the
  					system the record is removed from this queue.
  59.0	SERptsQueueDistribute	7,855	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains entries that dictate how to
  					distribute the output of reports from the queue
  					(fax, email, printer, etc.).
  60.0	SERptsQueueNotify	276	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains entries that indicate who
  					(and if) individuals or groups have been notified
  					that the report has finished.
  61.0	SERptsSchedule	0	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains records that define specific
  					schedules for the running of scheduled reports.
  62.0	SERptsScheduledReports	0	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains record entries that define
  					which reports to run as part of specific
  					schedules.
  63.0	SERptsScheduledGroups	0	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains ‘groups’ for scheduling.
  					This provides the ability to assign multiple
  					individuals to a specific group and have the
  					group belong to the schedule.
  64.0	SERptsScheduledUserGroup	0	SQL Server	Operational	This is the actual table that contains the
  					members within a schedule group. Each entry
  					in this table defines the group.
  65.0	SERptsTablesUsed	896	SQL Server	Operational	This table contains documentation on what
  					tables, views or stored procedures are used
  					within each report.

  Pipes & Fields

  Subject Area

  80.0	Meter	4,335	SQL Server	Pipes and	This table contains a record entry for each
  				Fields	well/meter that has been setup on the system.
  					The pipe/field, name, county and state are
  					stored here.
  81.0	MeterNotes	935	SQL Server	Pipes and	This table contains a record for notes pertaining
  				Fields	to meters/wells.
  82.0	PipeField	372	SQL Server	Pipes and	This table contains a record entry for each
  				Fields	pip/field defined on the system. The company
  					and the pipe/field description are stored here.
  83.0	MeterRates	3,980	SQL Server	Pipes and	This table contains the entire pressure base.
  				Fields	Btu factors by effective date for specific
  					meters/wells.
  84.0	MeterAllocations	551	SQL Server	Pipes and	This table contains entries for the allocation
  				Fields	information on the meter/well. This includes
  					accounting cross-reference codes (id and
  					deck).

  Pricing

  Subject Area

  90.0	GCIndex	142,268	SQL Server	Pricing	This table contains record entries by Day for
  					daily index prices AND/OR a single entry for
  					monthly index prices (1st day of month for
  					monthly indices).
  91.0	IndexRef	228	SQL Server	Pricing	This represents the master table of all defined
  					price indices within the Energy Management
  					System. One record entry per index exists
  					within this table.
  92.0	IndexBaskets	14	SQL Server	Pricing	This table contains a record entry for each
  					index basket established on the system. These
  					index baskets can be associated to sales or
  					purchase deals just as normal indexes are
  					associated to them. Simple averages are
  					calculated with all index items within an index
  					basket.
  93.0	IndexBasketLink	36	SQL Server	Pricing	This table contains the actual indices that are
  					currently associated with an index basket. An
  					unlimited number of indices can exist in a
  					basket. A simple average of all the prices
  					within the basket is used.

  Routing

  Subject Area

  101.0	LegRef	4,226	SQL Server	Routing	This table contains record for each unique
  					transportation leg (meter-to-meter) on the
  					Energy Management System.
  102.0	Leg	57,830	SQL Server	Routing	This table contains a record for each active leg
  					within a given month. Nomination and actual
  					rates that the leg utilizes during the month are
  					posted on each record. These rates are used
  					with the actual routing instructions (LegDetail
  					table).
  103.0	LegD	0	SQL Server	Routing	This table contains OPTIONAL entries for any
  					daily leg rates that need to be utilized within a
  					given month. Daily rates are checked PRIOR
  					to the monthly rates (on the Leg table) when
  					setting up the actual routing instructions
  					(LegDetail table).
  104.0	LegDetail	1,716,695	SQL Server	Routing	This table contains the detail routing
  					instructions for all volumes purchased all the
  					way through the sales points for that particular
  					volume. Nomination AND actual routing
  					instructions are stored for each meter/well that
  					had volume activity during the month. All
  					volumes sold can be tracked back to originating
  					purchase points.
  105.0	WASPResovedRouting	34,304	SQL Server	Routing	This table contains record entries that show the
  					pool level calculated totals for all receipt and
  					delivery points within the system. ‘Common’,
  					‘Dedicated’ and ‘None’ pools are aggregated
  					and the total numbers stored here. Only
  					‘Common’ pool volumes and dollars represent
  					the totals from more than one purchase point
  					(shows weighted average pricing based on
  					volumes purchased and/or transported).

  Security

  Subject Area

  110.0	GCUser	27	SQL Server	Security	This table contains a single record entry per
  					unique user (employee) on the system. The
  					character based (up to 12 character) login ID
  					AND an internal user id (integer) are unique
  					keys to this table.
  111.0	GCButton	58	SQL Server	Security	This table contains records that represent the
  					system functions that have specific security
  					rules associated with them on the system. For
  					example a system function of ‘DEALS’ has
  					been setup in order to define security
  					relationships between users (GCUser table)
  					and this function.
  112.0	GCSecurity	1,548	SQL Server	Security	This table stores the relationships between
  					users on the system (GCUser table) and the
  					system function that they have access too
  					(GCButton table). A specific access privilege is
  					stored for each of these relationships (like
  					READ ONLY, READ/UPDATE,
  					READ/UPDATE/DELETE or SUPER).

• Referring now to FIGS. [0089] 3A-3N, depicted therein are entity relationship diagrams that illustrate data relationships among tables and corresponding table entries used to implement the systems and methods that carry out the business process illustrated in FIG. 1. The database tables used logically categorized above into the above-identified nine (9) subject areas are maintained within data store 106 (FIG. 1), and are included among the files present on the attached compact disc, and are further defined in detail in FIGS. 3A-3N. Those skilled in the art will readily understand the data relationships among relational database tables as shown in FIGS. 3A-3N. Accordingly, for purposes of brevity, further comments about FIGS. 3A-3N have been omitted.
• In addition to the tables described and specified in the tables listed above, the following table illustrates an inventory of the various database views that utilized by the systems and methods provided by the present invention. [0090]
• View Descriptions [0091]
• Below is an inventory of the various database views that are utilized by the Energy Management System: [0092]

  Ref #	View Name	Description/Comments

  1.0	V_SearchDB	Provides a view to search the database stored procedures and triggers for specific text items.
  		Used for assessing the impact of system changes.
  2.0	VAccountingRevenueFeed	Database view (3 select UNION) used for creating OGSYS journal and revenue receivable data.
  3.0	VCompany	Display of company information (name, address, etc.)
  4.0	Vcontact_Accounting	Display the accounting contact for a given company.
  5.0	Vcontact_Admin	Display the administrative contact for a given company.
  6.0	Vcontact_Control	Display the control contact for a given company.
  7.0	Vcontact_Production	Display the production contact for a given company. This is the contact used for-Availability
  		estimates/etc.
  8.0	Vcontact_volconfirm	Display the contact responsible for confirming volumes within a given company. This is the
  		contact used for volume confirmations in the ‘Availability’ phase.
  9.0	VcontactFunction	Display a list of all contacts for a given company along with their respective functions (accounting,
  		volume confirmations, etc.)
  10.0	VContacts	Display name and addresses for contacts.
  11.0	VETID_Dates	Display the engine start, effective and end dates for a given engine transaction id (based on
  		package). This view is used VERY LITTLE because of performance issues.
  16.0	VgasInvD_NomChg	Display list of daily volumes where the nomination volumes are different between two successive
  		days.
  17.0	VKTermination	Displays specific contract termination information.
  18.0	VlegDetail_MeterTotals	Display routing information summarized by meter.
  19.0	VlegDetail_PipelineComparison	Display routing information in a format that is used for the pipe/field comparison report. Used for
  		reconciling fuel, gathering, transport, pvr, etc to pipe/field statements.
  20.0	VlegDetail_PurchasePointTotals	Display routing information that shows total routing costs/etc for given purchase points (hop 0's).
  21.0	VlegDetail_Summary	Displays routing information (summarized) for reporting purposes (purchase meters/wells only).
  22.0	VlegDetail_SummarySales	Displays routing information (summarized) for reporting purposes (sales meters/wells only).
  23.0	VMeterAllocations	This view is used to list the current meter/well allocations (based on effective date) for each given
  		meter/well. These allocations are the accounting deck and purchaser id information, which can be
  		different from month to month.
  24.0	VMeterRates	This view is used to list the current meter/well rates (standard pressure base, pipe/field pressure
  		base, Btu factor, etc.) for each given meter/well. These rates can be different from month to
  		month.
  25.0	VOurContact_Accting	Display the current HEC contact for accounting information.
  26.0	VOurContact_Prod	Display the current HEC contact for production information.
  27.0	VPackage_Info	Display detail list of information concerning a package (includes contacts, names, phones, etc.).
  28.0	VPrevGasMonthStuff	Displays current month volume totals versus previous month volume totals.
  29.0	VprodConfirmLetters	Display contact information for use with correspondence on production volumes. Specifically used
  		in the confirmation process in the ‘Availability’ production month phase.
  30.0	VprodInterest	Display a list of contracts and meters to confirm the production interests. This is used primarily in
  		the ‘Availability’ production month phase.
  31.0	VRequestProduction	Display list of production interest volume and meter information. This is used primarily in the
  		‘Availability’ production month phase and is used when sending out estimate reports to producers.

• Once all software and data as described above has been properly installed on one or [0093] more server systems 102 and within one or more coupled (networked) client systems 104 as illustrated in FIG. 1, use and operation of the systems and methods provided by the present invention may be commenced. Such operations may be in relation to the general use application (Energy Management System—EMS) or the limited use/user/function application (Producer Control Console—PCC) provided on the attached compact disc. In either case, the present invention facilitates a client-server application environment that includes, among other things, a user interface that is pleasing to users and which permits easy and ready access to system functions and operations. Such a user interface may be a graphical user interface or GUI that is configured to permit a user to engage in window-operations to bring about database operations that affect fuel deal data and the like in accordance with the present invention. Such a GUI is illustrated by way of screen shots (images of computer monitor screens) that are used to permit generation of, manipulation of, reporting of , and all other system operations relating to fuel deals and corresponding fuel deal data.
• For example, reference is now made to FIGS. [0094] 4A-4Q which illustrate a data processing application running within a client system to facilitate at least some of the operations carried out to effect the business process illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1, for example, represents an opening main menu screen through which a user may select “PERSONAL” operations related to setting up a personal profile to affect user-preferred presentation of data (e.g., name, screen colors, etc.). Additionally, a user may select “PRICE-INDEX” to affect fuel pricing and index related data. A user may select “COMPANY” to control lists of producers, and other related company entities. A user may select other options corresponding to the steps involved and described with regard to the MONTH OF FLOW PROCESS illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 1.
• The other screen shots shown in FIGS. [0095] 4B-4Q further illustrate specific features of the GUI that has been designed to facilitate the implementation of the systems and methods provided by the present invention. For the purpose brevity, further detailed comments related to such screen shots has been omitted.
SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION AND FUNCTIONALITY
• As noted above, the present invention utilizes stored procedures in the form of database management system procedures and functions which are executed server-side and client-side to facilitate the present invention's systems and methods. Listed in the following tables, is a detailed break-down of all the stored procedures, tools, and modules used to facilitate such systems and methods. The actual source code and instructions contained with in such procedures, functions, and modules is contained on the attached compact disc. [0096]
STORED PROCEDURES
• Below is an inventory of the various database-stored procedures (procedures and functions) that are utilized by the systems and methods provided by the present invention. Each of the stored procedures and functions are written in the Transact-SQL dialect. All of the stored procedures are prefixed with “usp_” which stands for “User Stored Procedure.” This provides an ability to differentiate those procedures bundled with the DBMS versus those created for the systems and methods provided by the present invention: [0097]
• Stored Procedures [0098]
• Below is an inventory of the various database-stored procedures (procedures and functions) that are utilized by the Energy Management System. Each of these stored procedures and functions are written in the Transact-SQL dialect. All of the stored procedures are prefixed with “usp_” which stands for “User Stored Procedures”. This provides an ability to differentiate those bundled with the DBMS versus those specifically created for the EMS application. [0099]

  Ref #	Stored Procedure Name	Description/Comments

  1.0	Usp_DailyCleanup	This procedure is run everyday and is responsible for any cleanup activities (like
  		rolling aged messages off the ApplicationMessages table).
  2.0	Usp_fGetCalcIndex	Retrieves the weighted average price for a given volume item. This routine is
  		invoked during the WASP calculation in order to obtain the price for the
  		meter/well and post it to the Engine database table.
  3.0	Usp_fGetIndex	Retrieves the daily or monthly price index for a given day. Used during the
  		pricing calculation routine.
  4.0	Usp_fGetIndexBasket	Retrieves and calculates the index amounts for the price lines whenever an
  		index basket price variable has been entered. This particular function will return
  		the average price (simple average) of all indices within the basket for a given
  		month/day.
  5.0	Usp_fGetNetbackPercentage	This function will return the actual netback percentage to be used for a given
  		production month and contract. When it calculates the netback it looks at
  		volumes and tier instructions that have been setup on the contract. The number
  		it returns is the netback percentage to utilize. In addition, this routine brings
  		back the specific percentage to use for the product being calculated (gas,
  		liquids, oil, etc.).
  6.0	Usp_fGetProdInterestID	This routine brings back the production interest information for a particular
  		ownership interest.
  7.0	Usp_fGetProdPkg	This procedure brings back the ‘deal id’ (if one already exists) when posting
  		volumes through the ‘Availability’ screens. If a deal does not already exist (in the
  		current production month) then a new deal is created and that ID is sent back.
  8.0	Usp_fGetWASPIndicator	This function accepts a deal id (package ID) as it's input. It then reads the
  		DealClass table and the rDealClass table(s) to determine if this particular deal
  		should be considered WASPable based on its classification scheme. The return
  		values are either ‘None’, ‘Common’ or ‘Dedicated’.
  9.0	Usp_fGetwaspType	This procedure will send back the WASP type field (GAS, OIL or LIQUIDS) when
  		passed a specific product ID. This procedure is used during the calculation in
  		order to determine which set of netback rules off a contract to use.
  10.0	Usp_flsLastDay	This procedure accepts a date and sends back the last date in a production
  		month.
  11.0	Usp_fLastDay	This procedure accepts a date and sends back the last date in a production
  		month.
  12.0	Usp_fPipeContactInfo	This procedure, when passed a pipe/field id, will send back the specific contact
  		information requested (like accounting contact, volume contact, etc.).
  13.0	USP_GasDayToGasMonth	This function will return the production month to use for a given production day.
  14.0	Usp_GetproductVolumeRound	This routine will return the rounding precision necessary when calculating
  		volume information for specify products (Oil calculates to 2 decimal places. Gas
  		to zero, etc).
  15.0	Usp_LinePrice	This is the actual procedure that will calculate the Engine records for a given
  		deal (volume related STID 8 or 9 type records).
  16.0	Usp_message	This routine handles all of the ‘progress’ messages that are issued during the
  		calculation, rollover, actualization, and etc. type events on the system. This
  		routine will optionally post this information to the ApplicationMessages table for
  		historical reference (audit).
  17.0	Usp_pActualize_BalPurchases	This is the main driver routine for Step 2 of 4 of the actualization process.
  18.0	Usp_pActualize_BalPurchasesCheck	This routine will check to see if all of the meters/wells on a given pipe/field have
  		been actualized. If not, then it sends back a bad return code. All meters/wells
  		are required to be ‘checked’ (actualized) prior to balancing of purchase routing
  		points
  19.0	Usp_pActualize_BalPurchasesClear	This routine is the actual routine that will adjust all purchase meter imbalances.
  		These imbalances are adjusted forward THROUGH the sales point based on
  		nomination routing instructions (used as a map).
  20.0	Usp_pActualize_BalSales	This is the main driver routine for Step 3 of 4 of the actualization process.
  21.0	Usp_pActualize_BalSalesCheck	This routine will check to see if all of the purchase meters/wells routing balances
  		(from step 2 of 4) are balanced. If any meter/well on the pipe/field is out of
  		balance then this routine sends back a bad return code. All meters/wells on the
  		pipe/field are required to be ‘balanced’ prior to balancing of the sales points.
  22.0	Usp_pActualize_BalSalesClear	This procedure is the final procedure invoked by the usp_pActualize_BalSales
  		main driver procedure. It is responsible for posting imbalance amounts to the
  		internal clearing purchase or sales deals.
  23.0	Usp_pActualize_BalSalesClear	This procedure attempts to reconcile any outstanding balances that result in
  		OVER supplying of volume to a particular sale. Nomination information is used
  		by this routine as a ‘road map’ on how to allocate this volume.
  24.0	Usp_pActualize_BalSalesUnder	This procedure attempts to reconcile any outstanding balances that result in
  		UNDER supplying of volume to a particular sale. Nomination information is used
  		by this routine as a ‘road map’ on how to allocate this volume.
  25.0	Usp_pFillIndex	This procedure will initialize the records within the ‘GCIndex’ table with daily
  		entries (for daily indices) and monthly entries (for monthly indices). The monthly
  		record entries are only on the first day of the month.
  26.0	Usp_FillIndexSingle	This procedure will populate the ‘GCIndex’ table with a price index entry for a
  		SINGLE index.
  27.0	Usp_pGasInvD_Fill	This routine initially populates the daily volumes on the GasInvD table. These
  		are initially populated with zeros (anytime a meter/well is added to a deal).
  28.0	Usp_pGasInvD_NomEOM	This routine is used in the ‘Availability’ area of the EMS system and is used to
  		take a given volume amount and propagate that volume amount to all days in
  		the month.
  29.0	Usp_LogAuditInfo	This routine is used to post record to the audit table within the system.
  30.0	Usp_pPackageRevision	This routine is used to increment the revision number field on the deal. Certain
  		types of changes to a deal will automatically increment the revision number on a
  		deal and this update is done through this routine.
  31.0	Usp_pPostClassificationRules	This procedure is executed (usually by triggers on the rDealClass and
  		rDealClassA tables). It can be executed stand-alone. This procedure will
  		ensure that a record is created in the rDealClassRules table for every
  		combination of deal classification codes (dcA values on the rDealClassA table).
  32.0	Usp_ProdPush	This routine is used in the ‘Availability’ phase of EMS and is used to initially
  		populate a particular month with ownership interest information, by meter/well.
  33.0	Usp_pPushMeter	This routine is used in the ‘Availability’ phase of EMS and is used to populate a
  		single meter/well ownership interest to its respective deal (package) and volume
  		inventory item (GasInv/GasInvD).
  34.0	Usp_pRouteBuildLegHistory	This routine creates the ‘Leg’ records for a given meter/well. When a new ‘route’
  		(Leg Ref) is defined on the system then this routine will get invoked to initially
  		seed the ‘Leg’ table with entries in order to allow routing.
  35.0	Usp_pRouteBuildLegHistoryAll	This routine gets invoked when a production month is initially opened to the
  		‘Sales’ phase. All ACTIVE meters and legs will have their respective ‘Leg’ table
  		records populated for that production month by this routine.
  36.0	Usp_pRouteCopyLegHistoryActuals	This routine gets invoked when the status of a production month changes from
  		‘Sales’ to ‘Invoiced’. All nomination routine instructions (in the ‘LegDetail’ table)
  		are then copied by this routine. This provides the mechanism to have actuals
  		different than noms while preserving the nom instructions.
  37.0	Usp_pRoutePostChange	This procedure gets invoked whenever a change to a specific route is requested
  		(i.e. modifications of volumes between hops).
  38.0	Usp_pRoutePostDealInfo	This procedure gets invoked to ‘seed’ the ‘LegDetail’ table with routing
  		information. This is invoked when new meters/wells are added to deals.
  39.0	Usp_pRoutePostDealInfoVols	This procedure gets invoked to populate the specific volumes on each of the
  		‘LegDetail’ entries (daily) for deal inventory items.
  40.0	Usp_pRoutePostDelete	This procedure gets invoked whenever a deletion is requested on the routing
  		(LegDetail) information.
  41.0	Usp_pRoutePostLegRates	This procedure gets invoked in order to post the rates (fuel, pvr, transport,
  		gathering, etc) to each of the ‘LegDetail’ records in the database. Daily rates
  		(LegD table) overrides monthly rates (Leg table) and this procedure ensures that
  		priority. If a rate gets changed for a leg this routine gets invoked to update all
  		existing routes (LegDetail) records.
  42.0	Usp_pRoutePostSale	This procedure gets invoked in order to post volume (route it) to a sales item (in
  		the LegDetail table).
  43.0	Usp_pRoutePostTransport	This procedure gets invoked in order to post volume (route it) to a transportation
  		point (in the LegDetail table).
  44.0	Usp_pRouteRemoveLegDetails	This routine will remove any/all ‘LegDetail’ (routing instructions) when a
  		meter/well for a specific deal is removed.
  45.0	Usp_pSERPT_GetAdditionalReportInfo	This routine is used by all of the ‘standard’ reporting procedures to obtain
  		specific report fields needed when running a standard report
  46.0	Usp_pSERPT_PostReportToCorrespondence	This routine will post a ‘PackageCorrespondence’ table record to a particular
  		deal that is affected by the ‘standard’ report being run. This routine is called by
  		all standard report routines.
  47.0	Usp_pSERPT_PostReportToDistribution	This routine will post a report distribution request to the SERptsQueueDistribute
  		table. This is either a request to ‘PRINTER’, ‘EMAlL’ or ‘FAX’.
  48.0	Usp_pSERPT_PostReportToQueue	This routine is used by all of the standard report routines and will post an actual
  		report request (queue item) to the SERptsQueue table.
  49.0	Usp_pSERPT_RunReportAvailConfirms	This routine is responsible for running the ‘Availability’ confirm reports.
  50.0	Usp_pSERPT_RunReportAvailEstimates	This routine is responsible for running the ‘Availability’ estimate reports.
  51.0	Usp_pSERPT_RunReportDealConfirm	This routine is responsible for running the deal confirmation reports (from the
  		deal detail screen on EMS).
  52.0	Usp_pSERPT_RunReportInvoice	This routine is responsible for running all standard invoice reports.
  53.0	Usp_pSERPT_RunReportRemittance	This routine is responsible for running all standard remittance reports.
  54.0	Usp_pSERPT_RunReportVoucher	This routine is responsible for running all standard voucher reports.
  55.0	Usp_pSERPT_SetAParameterBoolean	This routine is used by the standard reporting routines and converts Boolean
  		parameters for posting on the report queue (SERptsQueue) table.
  56.0	Usp_pSERPT_SetAParameterDate	This routine is used by the standard reporting routines and converts date and
  		date/time parameters for posting on the report queue (SERptsQueue) table.
  57.0	Usp_pSERPT_SetAParameterDecimal	This routine is used by the standard reporting routines and converts decimal
  		(number) parameters for posting on the report queue (SERptsQueue) table.
  58.0	Usp_pSERPT_SetAParameterInteger	This routine is used by the standard reporting routines and converts integer
  		number parameters for posting on the report queue (SERptsQueue) table.
  59.0	Usp_pSERPT_SetAParameterString	This routine is used by the standard reporting routines and converts string
  		parameters for posting on the report queue (SERptsQueue) table.
  60.0	Usp_pSERPT_WhichReport	This routine is used by the standard reporting routines and is responsible for
  		determining WHICH report to use. The default reports are in KreportDefaults
  		table. However, any given contract can override the default (KreportOverrides
  		table).
  61.0	Usp_PSPrice	This is the main pricing routine for the volume inventory items (regular
  		purchases and sales).
  62.0	Usp_PSPriceAll	This is the main procedure for calculating the prices for a given month on a set
  		of deals (volume inventory pricing, STID 8 & 9). Parameters to this stored
  		procedure dictate the type of price to calculation (Nom of Pipe/Field Actual and
  		Sales versus Purchase. etc.).
  63.0	Usp_PSPriceAnyNewInvoicesNeeded	This routine is responsible for assigning new invoice and remittance numbers to
  		the volume inventory table (GasInv). If new meters/wells (volume entries) get
  		entered during the actualization process then this routine will ensure they are
  		assigned unique numbers.
  64.0	Usp_PSPriceAssignInvoiceNo	This routine assigns invoice numbers to all sales deals when the production
  		month is promoted to the ‘Invoiced’ phase.
  65.0	Usp_PSPriceAuto	This procedure run everyday and checks for any production month either in the
  		‘Sales’ or the ‘Invoiced’ phase. If any production months are within these
  		phases then this procedure will invoke the calculation routine
  		(usp_psAutoMonth) for them.
  66.0	Usp_PSPriceAutoMonth	This is the main driver routine for the calculation of an entire month.
  67.0	Usp_PSPriceComponentsCheck	This procedure will automatically insert system generated price components (like
  		WASP or Netback Percentage) to the Engine_Master table. It is invoked by the
  		usp_PSPriceI procedure when calculating prices on a deal for a given month.
  68.0	Usp_PSPriceCost	This is the routine that calculates the ‘Other Cost’ entries and posts calculated
  		results in the Engine table.
  69.0	Usp_PSPriceCostAll	This is the main driver routine for looping through all of the ‘Other Costs’ in a
  		given month and invoking the usp_PSPriceCost routine for each one.
  70.0	Usp_PSPriceCreateActualEntries	This procedure copies the pricing entries setup on each deal
  		(Engine_MasterPrice) from nom to actuals.
  71.0	Usp_PSPriceMarkActualAdjustments	This procedure gets invoked by the calculation routine to mark any volume
  		inventory item (GasInv) whenever a difference is detected between nominations
  		and actuals.
  72.0	Usp_PSPricePopulateEngine	This procedure will populate the Engine table FROM the Engine_Master table.
  		For daily index price entries this procedure will automatically propagate the daily
  		index price to all days of the month where there is a volume (at least until a new
  		pricing entry is found). Only volume entries are populated here (STID 8 & 9).
  73.0	Usp_PSPriceTransportAll	This routine calculates all of the transport costs for a given production month.
  		These transport costs (and volumes) are posted in the GasInv (pricetype=3)
  		table and deals are posted (if needed). These deals are tagged with the specific
  		transport contract.
  74.0	Usp_PSPriceWASPCalc	Determines and resolves all wasp ‘Common’ and ‘Dedicated’ pools. Dedicated
  		pools are sanctioned sales. This is the main driver procedure for the wasp
  		portion of the calculation. Third party (pool = ‘None’) are also processed within
  		this procedure but not for the intent of obtaining a price for them, totals used
  		primarily for profit margin reporting
  75.0	Usp_PSPriceWASPCalcResolveDriver	This is the main driver component for driving the WASP calculation.
  76.0	Usp_PSPriceWASPCalcResolveN	Traces back sales totals from all sales meters back to their originating purchase
  		points. The table updated here is the WASPResolvedRouting table. The
  		‘LegDetail’ table is used extensively in this calculation. This is a highly
  		ITERATIVE process
  77.0	Usp_PSPriceWASPCalcResolveSalesN	This procedure creates the entries in the WASPResolvedRouting table and
  		posts original sales volumes and amounts. This is done just prior to the routine
  		that resolves these sales totals back to the purchase points.
  78.0	Usp_PSPriceWASPCalcSalesN	Sums all WASPable sales by sales meter into the WASPSalesMeterTotals table.
  79.0	Usp_PSPriceWASPClearMonth	This routine runs when a production month is promoted to ‘Completed’ phase.
  		Any volume inventory (GasInv andlor GasInvD) or routing items
  		(LegDetail) that contain zeros are removed so that only relevant information is
  		stored in the database for historical purposes.
  80.0	Usp_PSPriceWaspDivieOutProceedsN	This procedure is the main procedure that will distribute the proceeds from those
  		deals that have been designated to have their respective proceeds distributed
  		via the ‘Financial Overrides’ setup on the deal.
  81.0	Usp_ProdVolSet	This routine is used in the ‘Availability’ phase to setup the ownership interest on
  		a particular pipe/field and meter. ProdSum and ProdVol tables for the current
  		production month are populated with this procedure.
  82.0	Usp_ProdVolSetAll	This routine is used in the ‘Availability’ phase to setup the ownership interest on
  		all pipe/fields and meters. This routine invokes the usp_ProdVolSet routine for
  		each meter/well in the loop.
  83.0	Usp_PSRollover	This routine gets invoked when a production month goes from ‘Availability’ to
  		‘Sales’ and is responsible for copying deal information month-to-month.
  84.0	Usp_PSRolloverPopActuals3	This routine gets invoked by the usp_PSRollover routine and is responsible for
  		populating noms with previous 3 months actuals numbers (primarily used for
  		Oil).
  85.0	Usp_PSRolloverPopNoms	This routine gets invoked by the usp_PSRollover routine and is responsible for
  		populating noms with previous months nom numbers.
  86.0	Usp_pStatusChanged	This routine gets invoked anytime the production month status is changed
  		(Initial,Availability,Sales,Invoiced,Accounting,Completed). Other routines are
  		invoked depending on the from and to status for the production month.
  87.0	Usp_w.″	Any stored procedure that begins with Usp_w_has been setup as a one time
  		only procedure that is used to correct any database items/etc. These
  		procedures can be permanently deleted and have no impact on existing
  		functions within EMS.

• Application Software [0100]
• Technical Skill Set Required [0101]
• Support and maintenance of the Energy Management System requires the following technical skill set. [0102]

  Ref #	Skill Set	Used For . . .
  1.0	SQL-Server (Transact SQL)	All data is stored in MS SQL-Server database tables. This data is accessed via direct SQL
  		statements (embedded in windows applications, stored procedures and reports). There are
  		several database views that have been setup to access aggregated information (for performance
  		and consistency). In addition all of the critical calculations and time consuming procedures (like
  		the main EMS calculation, routing and rollover process) are written as Transact-SQL stored
  		procedures (and documented in this manual).
  2.0	Delphi (V5+)	All client applications are written using this particular RAD tool. In addition to knowing the
  	(includes Delphi 3rd party tools)	standard components that come with this tool, any of the 3rd party tools (documented in this
  		manual) are used extensively. See the 3rd party tools listed in the ‘Tools Utilized’ section far more
  		details.
  3.0	Crystal Reports (V8.0)	All reporting within EMS is done utilizing this tool from Seagate software.

• Client, Server Applications W/Tools Utilized [0103]
• This particular section contains the high level documentation relative to the Energy Management System software application. Each item documented is uniquely numbered to aid in reviews and/or future modifications. [0104]

  Ref #	Item	Response	Comments

  1.0	Client Application	Energy Management	The Energy Management System is written in Delphi 5
  		System	(service pack 3 applied). Third party controls and
  			components were used in the development. See other
  			areas of this matrix for 3rd party tools utilized.
  2.0	Client Application	Producer Control	The Producer Control Center is written in Delphi 5 (service
  		Center	pack	3 applied). Third party controls and components were
  			used in the development. See other areas of this matrix for
  			3rd party tools utilized. This application provides a restricted
  			view of information specific to the company/contact that is
  			running the application. The data viewed is the same data
  			that is maintained in the EMS system.
  3.0	Server Application	Software Experts, Inc.	All reporting done within EMS utilizes Crystal reports. This
  		SECrystal (V8.00)	server application runs and stores all output reports for the
  			System. Besides storing an electronic copy of the report.
  			this server can distribute to a printer, fax folder OR an email
  			address if instructed by the EMS application.
  4.0	Server Application	Software Experts, Inc.	Some output reports (from SECrystal) are designated to be
  		SEFax (V2.00)	faxed. This software is responsible for faxing all of the
  		(outbound faxing)	reports that were designated by EMS to be faxed.
  5.0	Server Application	Software Experts, Inc.	All database requests for the Energy Management System
  		SEServer (V2.00 g)	AND the Producer Control Center go through this database
  		(database request server)	server component. This server application typically runs on
  			the same machine as the actual database.
  6.0	3rd Party Tool/Library	Adobe	This free tool is used to view reports from EMS. The default
  		Acrobat Reader (V4.0+)	for all reports is to print them to a PDF format. This output
  			format is ‘overrideable’ by the user when the report is
  			submitted. Other formats like Excel, Word, Text, etc. are
  			also supported.
  7.0	3rd Party Tool/Library	Seagate Software	All reports are written using the Crystal reporting tool from
  		Crystal Reports (V8.00)	Seagate Software). In addition, the report server
  			(SECrystal) utilizes the main Crystal reporting FREE runtime
  			libranes to run these reports for all EMS client requests.
  8.0	3rd Party Tool/Library	Dalco Technologies	Delphi VCL components that provide internet (TCP/IP)
  		DbOvernet (V2.00)	access. The SEServer application utilizes this middleware.
  9.0	3rd Party Tool/Library	TurboPower Software	The SEFax fax server application utilizes this 3rd party
  		Asynch Pro (V3.04)	Delphi VCL component list for sending and/receiving faxes.
  			The SECrystal reporting server application uses this library
  			to write out ‘fax ready’ files.
  10.0	3rd Party Tool/Library	TurboPower Software	Many of the online screens for all client and server
  		Orpheus (V3.08)	applications utilize the Orpheus controls for screen grid lists,
  			combo boxes, etc. The server applications were written with
  			this tool set also.
  11.0	3rd Party Tool/Library	TurboPower Software	Many of the online screens for all client and server
  		SysTools (V3.02)	applications utilize the SysTools components for string
  			manipulations, spawning tasks, etc.
  12.0	3rd Party Tool/Library	Woll2Woll Software	Many of the online screens for all client and server
  		InfoPower 2000.17	applications utilize these controls for screen grid lists.
  			combo boxes, etc. The server applications were written with
  			this tool set also.
  13.0	3rd Party Tool/Library	Inner Media.Software	These are Delphi software components that are for
  		Dynazip (V4.00)	compression/decompression of files to and from the server.
  			This is used by both the client and server applications.
  14.0	3rd Party Tool/Library	Public Domain	This is a Delphi software component and is used by the
  		TEmail (V2.10)	client and server applications. It is responsible for the email
  			interface.
  15.0	3rd Party Tool/Library	TMS Software	This is a Delphi software component that provides for ‘over
  		TwebUpdate (V1.00)	the internet’ automatic software upgrades. The client
  			applications each utilize this component.
  16.0	3rd Party Tool/Library	Skyline Software, Inc.	These are Delphi software components that provide for
  		ImageLib Suite (V5.00)	graphic images displayed within the application. In addition,
  			this software provides scanner input capabilities.

• Client Applications, Module List/Descriptions [0105]
• This particular section Contains the high level documentation relative to each software application module within the Energy Management System. Each item documented is uniquely numbered to aid in reviews and/or future modifications. The application reference listed below will either indicate EMS (Energy Management System) and/or PCC (Producer Control Center). This shows the level of interoperability between these two client applications. All of these modules are written in Delphi (Object Pascal, (Visual)). [0106]

  Ref #	Module Name	Module Type	Application	Description/Comments

  1.0	DBAddress	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all ot the database communication
  			PCC	components for the Address (‘Company and Contact
  				Addresses’) table.
  2.0	DBCommonDatabase	Data Module	EMS	This module is responsible for setting all of the common
  			PCC	properties for all other data modules within the system.
  				Prior to invoking a query, all other database modules will
  				invoke methods within this module to set communication
  				ports, maximum number of records, etc. This module also
  				stores the actual user id and contains methods for
  				accessing this field.
  3.0	DBCommonFileOperations	Data Module	EMS	This module handles all of the ‘flat file’ operations
  			PCC	(compressing/decompressing/etc.) that is involved with the
  				applications. Any temporary files that need to be created
  				are also controlled by this data module.
  4.0	DBCompany	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the Company (‘Company Information’)
  				table.
  5.0	DBContactFunction	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the ContactFunction (“Roles within their
  				respective companies that contacts play”) table.
  6.0	DBContacts	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the Contacts (‘Individual contacts within
  				companies’) table.
  7.0	DBContactGroup	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the ContactGroup (Links contacts to
  				groups they may be affiliated with) table.
  8.0	DBContact_GroupNames	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the Contact_GroupNames (table contains
  				a record for each group within the system) table.
  9.0	DBEngine	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the Engine (contains transaction records
  				for each volume inventory transaction item associated with
  				the deal) table.
  10.0	DBEngine_Master	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the Engine_Master (User enterable pricing
  				area ‘header’ record) table.
  11.0	DBEngine_MasterPrice	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the Engine_MasterPrice (User enterable
  				pricing area ‘detail’ records (price tags)) table.
  12.0	DBEngine_TransactionList	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the Engine_TransactionList (transaction
  				descriptions) table.
  13.0	DBExceptionCategories	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the ExceptionCategories (‘Reasons for
  				Exceptions’) table.
  14.0	DBExceptionList	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the ExceptionList (‘Actual Exception
  				Events) table.
  15.0	DBGasInv	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the GasInv (Volume Inventory ‘header’)
  				table.
  16.0	DBGasInvD	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the GasInvD (Volume Inventory Daily
  				‘detail’) table.
  17.0	DBGCButton	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the GCButton (‘Business Functions’)
  				security table.
  18.0	DBGCIndex	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the GCIndex (Daily & Monthly Price
  				Indices) table.
  19.0	DBGCSecurity	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the GCSecurity (Security Authorizations)
  				for the applications.
  20.0	DBGCUser	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the GCUser (User Profiles) table within the
  				applications.
  21.0	DBImages	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the SEImages (company logos, etc.) table
  				within the application.
  21.0	DBIndexBasketLink	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the IndexBasketLink (Links actual indices
  				to a particular basket) table within the application.
  22.0	DBIndexBaskets	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the IndexBaskets (Grouping of indices to
  				be used in a ‘simple’ averaging calculation) table within the
  				application.
  23.0	DBIndexRef	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database-communication
  			PCC	components for the IndexRef (Each price index within the
  				system contains a record entry here) table within the
  				application.
  24.0	DBK	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the K (Contracts table within the
  				application).
  25.0	DBKNetBack	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the KNetBack (Contracts Netback
  				Percentage Tiers) table within the application.
  26.0	DBKNotes	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the KNotes (Contract Notes) table within
  				the application.
  27.0	DBKProducts	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the KProducts (products that are available
  				within contracts) table within the application.
  28.0	DBKReportDefaults	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the KReportDefaults (standard report
  				defaults) table within the application.
  29.0	DBKReportOverrides	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the KReportOverrides (standard report)
  				overrides for a contract) table within the application.
  30.0	DBKServices	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the KServices (services that are available
  				within contracts) table within the application.
  31.0	DBLeg	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the Leg (available routes and rates for the
  				production month) table within the application.
  32.0	DBLegD	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the LegD (available DAILY routes and
  				rates for the production) table within the application.
  33.0	DBLegDetail	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the LegDetail (specific routing instructions
  				for all volumes purchased and sold) table within the
  				application.
  34.0	DBLegRef	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the LegRef (master list of routes and rates)
  				table within the application.
  35.0	DBLocations	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for SELocations (locations) table within the
  				application.
  36.0	DBMessages	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the SEMessages (system messages) table
  				within the application.
  37.0	DBMeter	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the Meter/Well table within the application.
  38.0	DBMeterAllocations	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the MeterAllocations (ownership interests
  				in volume from a meter/well) table within the application.
  39.0	DBMeterNotes	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the MeterNotes table within the
  				application.
  40.0	DBMeterRates	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the MeterRates (pressure base, Btu factor,
  				etc. from a meter/well) table within the application.
  41.0	DBMiscQueries	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the miscellaneous queries that
  			PCC	were created to enable views of various tables within the
  				application.
  42.0	DBPackage	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the Package (Deals) table within the
  				application.
  43.0	DBPackageCorrespondence	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the PackageCorrespondence (electronic
  				copies of documents associated with deals) table within
  				the application.
  44.0	DBPackageCosts	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database-communication
  				components for the PackageCosts (‘Other Costs’
  				associated with deals) table within the application.
  45.0	DBPipeField	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the PipeField (Pipe/Field information) table
  				within the application.
  46.0	DBPriceComponents	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the PriceComponents (tags to associate to
  				each portion of a price) table within the application.
  47.0	DBPriceDesc	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the PriceDesc (Deal free form price
  				description) table within the application.
  48.0	DBPrinterDef	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the PrinterDef (printer definitions) table
  				within the application.
  49.0	DBProcessingCodes	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the SEProcessingCodes (reference code
  				description) table within the application.
  50.0	DBProcessingCodeTyes	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the SEProcessingCodeTypes (type codes
  				that classify sets of reference codes) table within the
  				application.
  51.0	DBProducerMessage	Data Module	PCC	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the ProducerMessage (dynamic messages
  				posted to producers) table within the application.
  52.0	DBProdInterest	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the ProdInterest (Availability royalty
  				interests) table within the application.
  53.0	DBProdPKG	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the ProdPKG (Availability deal ID to
  				ProdVol cross reference) table within the application.
  54.0	DBProdSum	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the ProdSum (Availability summary totals
  				by meter/well) table within the application.
  55.0	DBProdVol	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the ProdVol (Availability detail owner
  				interest totals by meter/well) table within the application.
  56.0	DBrDealClass	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the rDealClass (All of the available deal
  				classifications) table within the application.
  57.0	DBrDealClassA	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the rDealClassA (all possible answers
  				available to the deal class rules (rDealClass table)) table
  				within the application.
  58.0	DBrDealClassRules	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  				components for the rDealClassRules (all rules associated
  				with every combination of deal classification) table within
  				the application.
  59.0	DBrGasMonth	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the rGasMonth (an entry exists here for
  				every possible month within the system, with status
  				information) table within the application.
  60.0	DBRptsControl	Data Module	EMS	This module represents the main driver module for
  			PCC	submitting reports.
  61.0	DBRptsExecutedStats	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the SERptsExecutedStats (Execution
  				statistics for reports) table within the application.
  62.0	DBRptsGroupitems	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the SERptsGroupItems (List of reports
  				available within each tab/folder) table within the
  				application.
  63.0	DBRptsGroups	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the SERptsGroups (List of all tabs within
  				each reporting folder) table within the application.
  64.0	DBRptsItemDetail	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the SERptsItemDetail (List of specific
  				reports available throughout all folders and tabs) table
  				within the application.
  65.0	DBRptsItemParms	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the SERptsItemParms (List of all report
  				parameters available to each specific report) table within
  				the application.
  66.0	DBRptsQueue	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the SERptsQueue (actual report
  				submission queue) table within the application.
  67.0	DBRptsQueueDistribute	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the SERptsOueueDistribute (report
  				distribution instructions area) table within the application.
  68.0	DBRptsQueueNotify	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the SERptsQueueNotify (report notification
  				instructions area) table within the aoplication.
  69.0	DBRptsSchedule	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the SERptsSchedule (report schedule
  				definition area) table within the application.
  70.0	DBRptsScheduledReports	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the SERptsScheduledReports (reports
  				belonging to schedule definition area) table within the
  				application.
  71.0	DBRptsScheduleGroups	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the SERptsScheduleGroups (report
  				schedule groups definition area) table within the
  				application.
  72.0	DBRptsScheduleUserGroups	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the SERptsScheduleUserGroups (user list
  				belonging to a specific schedule group definition area)
  				table within the application.
  73.0	DBRptsTablesUsed	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for the SERptsTablesUsed (tables, views and
  				stored procedures used by each report area) table within
  				the application.
  74.0	DBStoredProcedures	Data Module	EMS	This module contains all of the database communication
  			PCC	components for accessing and invoking all stored
  				procedures and functions on the application. Each of
  				these procedures are setup as methods within this class
  				and this particular class acts as a common wrapper for
  				invoking these DB procedures.
  75.0	RTCrystalDriverParseMemo	Business Rules	EMS	This module contains all of the string parsing routines used
  			PCC	to store reporting parameters, formulas and selection
  				criteria.
  76.0	RTDBAddress	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	addresses (Address table) are within this particular
  				module.
  77.0	RTDBCompany	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	companies (Company table) are within this particular
  				module.
  78.0	RTDBContactFunction	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	contact function (ContactFunction table) are within this
  				particular module.
  79.0	RTDBContacts	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	contacts (contacts table) are within this particular module.
  80.0	RTDBContact_Group	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	contact group relationships (ContactGroup table) are within
  				this particular module.
  81.0	RTDBContact_GroupNames	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				contact group names (Contact_GroupNames table) are
  				within this particular module.
  82.0	RTDBEngine	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				engine pricing transaction (Engine table) are within this
  				particular module.
  83.0	RTDBEngine_Master	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				engine pricing entry (Engine_Master table) are within this
  				particular module.
  84.0	RTDBEngine_MasterPrice	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				engine pricing components (w/price tags) entry
  				(Engine_MasterPrice table) are within this particular
  				module.
  85.0	RTDBEngine_TransactionList	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				engine transaction master list (Engine_TansactionList
  				table) are within this particular module.
  86.0	RTDBExceptionCategories	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	exception categories (ExceptionCategories table) are
  				within this particular module.
  87.0	RTDBExceptionList	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	exception list (ExceptionList table) are within this particular
  				module.
  88.0	RTDBGasinv	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				volume inventory transaction header (Gasinv table) are
  				within this particular module.
  89.0	RTDBGasinvD	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				volume inventory transaction detail daily (GasinvD table)
  				are within this particular module.
  90.0	RTDBGCButton	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	business functions (GCButton table) are within this
  				particular module.
  91.0	RTDBGCIndex	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	price indices (GCIndex table) are within this particular
  				module.
  92.0	RTDBGCSecurity	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	security authorizations (GCSecurity table) are within this
  				particular module.
  93.0	RTDBGCUser	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	users (GCUser table) are within this particular module.
  94.0	RTDBImages	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				graphic images (SEImages table) are within this particular
  				module.
  95.0	RTDBIndexBasketLink	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	index price basket link (IndexBasketLink table) are within
  				this particular module.
  96.0	RTDBIndexBaskets	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	index price baskets (IndexBaskets table) are within this
  				particular module.
  97.0	RTDBIndexRef	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	price index master list (IndexRef table) are within this
  				particular module.
  98.0	RTDBK	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				contracts (K table) are within this particular module.
  99.0	RTDBKNetBack	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				contract netback pricing tiers (KNetBack table) are within
  				this particular module.
  100.0	RTDBKNotes	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				contract free form note area (KNotes table) are within this
  				particular module.
  101.0	RTDBKProducts	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				contract products area (KProducts table) are within this
  				particular module.
  102.0	RTDBKReportDefaults	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				contract standard report defaults area (KReportDefaults
  				table) are within this particular module.
  103.0	RTDBKReportOverrides	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				contract standard report overrides area (KReportOverrides
  				table) are within this particular module.
  104.0	RTDBKServices	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				contract services area (KServices table) are within this
  				particular module.
  105.0	RTDBLeg	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				leg (monthly) area (Leg table) are within this particular
  				module.
  106.0	RTDBLegD	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				leg (daily) area (LegD table) are within this particular
  				module.
  107.0	RTDBLegDetail	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				leg detail (main routing) area (LegDetail table) are within
  				this particular module.
  108.0	RTDBLegRef	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				leg master list area (LegRef table) are within this particular
  				module.
  109.0	RTDBLocations	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	locations (SELocations table) are within this particular
  				module.
  110.0	RTDBMessages	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	messages (SEMessages table) are within this particular
  				module.
  111.0	RTDBMeter	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				meters (Meter table) are within this particular module.
  112.0	RTDBMeterAllocations	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				meter ownership allocations (MeterAllocations table) are
  				within this particular module.
  113.0	RTDBMeterNotes	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				meter comment areas (MeterNotes table) are within this
  				particular module.
  114.0	RTDBMeterRates	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				meter rate areas (MeterRates table) are within this
  				particular module.
  115.0	RTDBPackage	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				deals (Package table) are within this particular module.
  116.0	RTDBPackageCorrespondence	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				deal correspondence (PackageCorrespondence table) are
  				within this particular module.
  117.0	RTDBPackageCosts	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				deal ‘Other Coats’ (PackageCosts table) are within this
  				particular module.
  118.0	RTDBPipeField	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				pipes/fields (PipeField table) are within this particular
  				module.
  119.0	RTDBPriceComponents	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				price components (PriceComponents table) are within this
  				particular module.
  120.0	RTDBPriceDesc	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				deal pricing free form text area (PriceDesc table) are within
  				this particular module.
  121.0	RTDBPrinterDef	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				printer definitions (PrinterDef table) are within this
  				particular module.
  122.0	RTDBProcessingCodes	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	processing codes (SEProcessingCodes table) are within
  				this particular module.
  123.0	RTDBProcessingCodeTypes	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				processing code types (SEProcessingCodeTypes table)
  				are within this particular module.
  124.0	RTDBProdInterest	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				‘Availability’ royalty interests (Prodinterest table) are within
  				this particular module.
  125.0	RTDBProdPKG	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				‘Availability’ deal to ProdVol cross-reference (ProdPKG
  				table) are within this particular module.
  126.0	RTDBProdSum	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				‘Availability’ monthly meter summary (ProdSum table) are
  				within this particular module.
  127.0	RTDBProdVol	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				‘Availability’ monthly ownership volume (ProdVol table) are
  				within this particular module.
  128.0	RTDBrDealClass	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				deal classification options (rDealClass table) are within this
  				particular module.
  129.0	RTDBrDealClassA	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				deal classification answers (rDealClassA table) are within
  				this particular module.
  130.0	RTDBrDealClassRules	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  				deal classification wasp rules (rDealClassRules table) are
  				within this particular module.
  131.0	RTDBrGasMonth	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	production month (rGasMonth table) are within this
  				particular module.
  132.0	RTDBRptsExecutedStats	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	execution statistics for reporting (SERptsExecutedSlats
  				table) are within this particular module.
  133.0	RTDBRptsGroupItems	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	tab items for reporting (SERptsGroupItems table) are
  				within this particular module.
  134.0	RTDBRptsGroups	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	tabs for reporting (SERptsGroups table) are within this
  				particular module.
  135.0	RTDBRptsItemDetail	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	report files used for reporting (SERptsItemDetail table) are
  				within this particular module.
  136.0	RTDBRptsItemParms	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	report file parameters used for reporting
  				(SERptsItemParms table) are within this particular module.
  138.0	RTDBRptsQueue	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	report submission queue used for reporting (SERptsQueue
  				table) are within this iparticular module.
  139.0	RTDBRptsQueueDistribute	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	report queue distribution options used for reporting
  				(SERptsQueueDistribute table) are within this particular
  				module.
  140.0	RTDBRptsQueueNotify	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	report queue submission notifications used for reporting
  				(SERptsQueueNotify table) are within this particular
  				module.
  141.0	RTDBRptsSchedule	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	report schedules used for reporting (SERptsSchedule
  				table) are within this particular module.
  142.0	RTDBRptsScheduledReports	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	report schedule actual reports used for reporting
  				(SERptsScheduledReports table) are within this particular
  				module.
  143.0	RTDBRptsScheduleGroups	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	report schedule groups used for reporting
  				(SERptsScheduleGroups table) are within this particular
  				module.
  144.0	RTDBRptsScheduleUserGroups	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	report schedule users (in groups) used for reporting
  				(SERptsScheduleUserGroups table) are within this
  				particular module.
  145.0	RTDBRptsTablesUsed	Business Rules	EMS	All business rules and edits associated with the application
  			PCC	report tables used for reporting (SERptsTablesUsed table)
  				are within this particular module.
  146.0	RTMessageStackClient	Business Rules	EMS	This particular module is responsible for maintaining the
  			PCC	current list of messages that will be displayed to the user.
  				This module will provide for the storing of up to 50
  				messages (in memory tables) in between enter button or
  				mouse clicks. This provides for any/all error messages
  				concerning a specific event to be displayed at once versus
  				one at a time.
  147.0	FmAbout	Form	EMS	This form provides descriptive information about the
  			PCC	application (version number, copyright notice, email and
  				website support links. etc).
  148.0	FmActualizePurchases	Form	EMS	This form provides the method for performing (Step 2 of 4)
  				of the actualization process within EMS.
  149.0	FmActualizeSales	Form	EMS	This form provides the method for performing (Step 3 of 4)
  				of the actualization process within EMS.
  150.0	FmAddressDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides for the updating of addresses for
  				contacts and companies. The table that gets updated
  				behind the scenes is the Address table.
  151.0	FmAddressList	Form	EMS	This form provides a list of all available addresses that
  				have already been setup for a company. Options on this
  				form include an ability to change, add or delete address
  				lines from the list.
  152.0	FmBusinessFunctionsDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides for the updating of the business
  				functions that are available within the Energy Management
  				System AND the Producer Control Center. The table that
  				gets updated (behind the scenes) is the ‘GCButton’ table.
  153.0	FmBusinessFunctionsList	Form	EMS	This form provides a list of all available business functions
  				that are currently within the Energy Management System
  				AND the Producer Control Center. Options exist here to
  				add, change and delete business functions. Each of these
  				business functions represent areas within the application
  				for setting system security.
  154.0	FmCommon	Form	EMS	This form provides for all of the common properties used
  			PCC	by all forms. This form can be accessed via the main
  				menus by selecting system properties. All of the color
  				schemes, graphic images, etc. that are used by the system
  				are included on this form. At runtime, all other forms within
  				the system will invoke public methods within this form to
  				set their respective screen fields.
  155.0	FmCompanyDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides the mechanism for updating detail
  				information pertaining to a specific company. This includes
  				identification of a primary company address.
  156.0	FmCompanyList	Form	EMS	This form provides a grid list of all companies that are
  				currently stored on EMS. Options on this form include
  				extensive lookup and tab options.
  157.0	FmContactDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides the form for updating detail information
  				about a contact at a particular company. This includes
  				group memberships, functions, etc.
  158.0	FmContactFunctionDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides the mechanism for associating a
  				contact within a company to a specific job function at the
  				company (i.e. Accounting, production, etc.)
  159.0	FmContactGroupDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides the mechanism for creating or updating
  				contact groups on the system.
  160.0	FmContactGroupList	Form	EMS	This form lists all available contact groups on the system.
  				Options on this form include an ability to add, change or
  				delete a contact group.
  161.0	FmContactList	Form	EMS	This for lists all contacts within all companies. Options on
  				this form include an ability to add, change or delete a
  				specific contact (with appropriate security). In addition,
  				there are extensive data lookup capabilities.
  162.0	fmContactSecurityAuth	Form	EMS	This form provides for the entry of external company
  				security authorization rules (i.e. Enabling access to
  				Producer Control Center. etc.).
  163.0	FmContractDetail	Form	EMS	This form represents the detail form for entering contract
  				specific information (netback pricing information, contract
  				name, terms, provisions, etc.).
  164.0	FmContractList	Form	EMS	This form provides a grid list of all existing contracts on the
  				system. Options exist on this form to add, change or
  				delete a contract. This form also includes extensive lookup
  				and company letter tab's for searching all contracts.
  165.0	FmDailyPrices	Form	PCC	This form shows the graphs of the revenue detail
  				information on the Producer Control Center.
  166.0	FmDealClassificationUpdates	Form	EMS	This form provides the mechanism for changing any
  				calculation rules associated with a given combination of
  				deal classification codes. The WASP inclusion indicator is
  				stored on this table.
  167.0	fmDealCorrespondenceDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides an entry form for attaching electronic
  				correspondence to a deal.
  168.0	FmDealCostsEntryDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides for the entry of ‘Other-Costs’ associated
  				with a particular deal.
  169.0	FmDealDetail	Form	EMS	This is the main detail form that shows all of the
  				information relative to a deal.
  170.0	FmDealEntryNew	Form	EMS	This form represents a popup box that is displayed when a
  				new deal has been requested. This box prompts the user
  				for the type of deal (purchase or sale) and what product
  				and service it is applicable toward.
  171.0	FmDealList	Form	EMS	This form provides a listing of all ‘Purchase’ or ‘Sales’
  				deals within a given month on a grid. Options exist on this
  				screen to add, change or delete a deal.
  172.0	FmDealPrice	Form	EMS	This is the form that is used whenever a user wants to
  			PCC	calculate the prices for a given volume within a given
  				month. The only options on this form are to ‘Price All’ and
  				only for those production months and volumes that are
  				applicable (based on monthly status).
  173.0	FmDealPriceEntryDetail	Form	EMS	This is the main form for entering deal price information
  				within the Energy Management System. The primary
  				underlying tables that get updated include Engine_Master
  				and Engine_MasterPrice.
  174.0	FmException	Form	EMS	This form is invoked whenever a system exception occurs
  			PCC	within the system. In order to complete the exception a
  				particular user must have a ‘Super ID’ for the function and
  				he/she must provide an exception reason with a
  				description.
  175.0	FmExceptionCategotiesDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides for a detail update screen to update
  				reason code information for a given type of exception.
  176.0	fmExceptionCategoriesList	Form	EMS	This form provides a listing grid of all reason code
  				exceptions for a given type of exception.
  177.0	FmGraphicViewer	Form	EMS	This form provides an ability to view graphic images and/or
  				scan in graphic images from a scanner. These images can
  				be attached to a deal.
  178.0	fmGroupMemberDetail	Form	EMS	This form represents the detail form for associating a
  				contact as a member of a specific group.
  179.0	FmImagesDetail	Form	EMS	This form represents the detail form used for posting
  				updates to the application graphic images (logo’s. etc.).
  180.0	FmImagesList	Form	EMS	This form provides a list of all graphic images (logos) that
  				are currently stored in the system.
  181.0	FmIndexBasketDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides a detail update screen to update index
  				price basket information.
  182.0	FmIndexBasketLinkDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides a detail update form to allow for the
  				updating of index links to particular baskets.
  183.0	FmIndexBasketList	Form	EMS	This form provides a listing grid of all index baskets on the
  				system.
  184.0	FmLegDailyDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides the detail rate information associated
  				with a daily leg rate (which overrides the monthly rate
  				when setup on EMS).
  185.0	FmLegDailyList	Form	EMS	This form provides a listing of all daily rates that may be
  				setup for a particular leg.
  186.0	FmLegDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides the detail rate information associated
  				with the a given leg, on a given production month within
  				the system. Both nomination and actual rate information is
  				available.
  187.0	FmLegHistory	Form	EMS	This form provides a historical list of all monthly leg rates
  				that have been established for a given leg.
  188.0	FmLegList	Form	EMS	This form provides a list of all legs on the system. Options
  				exist from this screen to select and change (modify) the
  				specific rate information about a leg.
  189.0	FmLegMonthlyView	Form	EMS	This form represents a ‘view’ form that provides a read-
  				only view of all volumes transported in, out, sold and/or on
  				balance for a specific meter.
  190.0	FmLegPurchaseLinkMonthlyView	Form	EMS	This form represents a ‘view’ form that provides a read-
  				only view of all the purchase deals (volumes) that have
  				been attributed to a selected sale.
  191.0	FmLegPurchaseLinkView	Form	EMS	This form represents a ‘view’ form that provides a read-
  				only view of all purchases linked to a specific sale on a
  				given day.
  192.0	FmLegPurchasePointView	Form	EMS	This form represents a ‘view’ form that provides a read-
  				only view of the originating (hop 0) information for any
  				given volume that is displayed on the routing screen(s).
  193.0	FmLegRoute	Form	EMS	This is the main routing screen. Options exist on this
  				screen to select pipe/fields, days, noms or actuals, etc.
  				With appropriate security a person can transport and/or
  				sell volume through this panel.
  194.0	FmLegSale	Form	EMS	This form is used as a confirm form for posting volume
  				balances to a sale.
  195.0	FmLegSalesView	Form	EMS	This form represents a ‘view’ form that provides a read-
  				only view of all sales that exist on a given pipe/field for
  				either a single day or an entire month.
  196.0	FmLegTransport	Form	EMS	This form is used as a confirm form for transporting
  				volumes to other meters (pools). Options also exist on this
  				form to selectively override transport, gathering, pvr or fuel
  				rates associated with the transport.
  197.0	FmLegChange	Form	EMS	This form is used whenever a request is made to change
  				the instructions (either volume or rates) on an existing
  				transport OR sale route item.
  198.0	fmLegDelete	Form	EMS	This form is used whenever a routed volume (either
  				transported to a pool or posted to a sale) has been
  				requested to be deleted.
  199.0	FmLocationsDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides a detail update form to allow for the
  				updating of location information. These location entries
  				are used throughout the system (versus hardcoding
  				locations within the software).
  200.0	fmLocationsList	Form	EMS	This form provides a list form to allow for showing the
  				location information. These location entries are used
  				throughout the system (versus hardcoding locations within
  				the software).
  201.0	fmLogin	Form	EMS	This is the common login form used by the application(s).
  			PCC	It provides the mechanism for authenticating users or
  				company contacts upon entry into the system.
  202.0	fmLoginChange	Form	EMS	This form provides the users of the system with the ability
  				to change their login passwords.
  203.0	fmLookup	Form	EMS	This form provides a standard lookup dialog that allows for
  			PCC	queries to be run for nearly all other list forms within the
  				system. Most list screens provide a lookup button
  				(binoculars) that will invoke this form.
  204.0	fmMessageBox	Form	EMS	This form displays all system messages used within the
  			PCC	system. This particular form gets utilized by nearly all
  				other form on the system. The messages displayed by this
  				form include all ERROR, CONFIRMATIONAL,
  				INFORMATIONAL and IN-PROCESS oriented messages.
  205.0	fmMeterAllocationsDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides for an entry screen for entering
  				allocation companies and accounting cross reference deck
  				codes for a given meter/well and effective date.
  206.0	FmMeterDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides for a detail update form on meter/well
  				information within the system.
  207.0	fmMeterList	Form	EMS	This form provides for a list form of all meters/wells within
  				the system.
  208.0	fmMeterRatesDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides for an entry screen for entering rates
  				(pressure base, Btu factor, pipe/field pressure base, etc.)
  				for a given meter/well on a specific effective date.
  209.0	FmMeterRevenue	Form	PCC	This form provides a meter/well form that shows graphic
  				representation of calculated volumes and prices.
  210.0	FmMeterTotals View	Form	EMS	This form provides a ‘view’ which is a read-only view of all
  				the meter totals (actualized versus not actualized) for an
  				entire month). A specific deal OR all deals within a month
  				can be viewed through this form.
  211.0	FmMonthlyStatusDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides a screen for updating the detail
  				production month status information. This is where users
  				will go to change the status for each production month
  				(depending on security level of the user).
  212.0	FmMonthlyStatusList	Form	EMS	This form provides a grid list of all monthly status
  				information (by status). Options exist here to invoke the
  				detail update screen to update monthly status information
  				(with appropriate security).
  213.0	fmNetBackTierDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides the detail form for updating the netback
  				pricing tiers for a given contract. These tiers are
  				referenced (for all WASP classified deals) during the
  				pricing function.
  214.0	FmOGISFeeds	Form	EMS	This form provides an entry form for specifying the
  				parameters used to create the OGIS journal entry and
  				revenue receivable accounting feeds. The actual text files
  				are created from this form.
  215.0	FmPickACompany	Form	EMS	This form provides a common mechanism for displaying a
  			PCC	list of companies to a user and having one of them
  				selected and carried back to the requesting form.
  216.0	FmPickAContact	Form	EMS	This form provides a common mechanism for displaying a
  				list of contacts to a user and having one of them selected
  				and carried back to the requesting form.
  217.0	FmPickAContract	Form	EMS	This form provides a common mechanism for displaying a
  				list of contracts to a user and having one of them selected
  				and carried back to the requesting form.
  218.0	FmPickADeal	Form	EMS	This form provides a common mechanism for displaying a
  				list of deals to a user and having one of them selected and
  				carried back to the requesting form.
  219.0	FmPickADealMeter	Form	EMS	This form provides a common mechanism for displaying a
  				list of deal meters to a user and having one of them
  				selected and carried back to the requesting form.
  220.0	FmPickALeg	Form	EMS	This form provides a common mechanism for displaying a
  				list of leg (monthly routes) to a user and having one of
  				them selected and carried back to the requesting form.
  221.0	FmPickALegRef	Form	EMS	This form provides a common mechanism for displaying a
  				list of LegRef (master routes) to a user and having one of
  				them selected and carried back to the requesting form.
  222.0	FmPickALegSale	Form	EMS	This form provides a common mechanism for displaying a
  				list of sales points available for routing to a user and
  				having one of them selected and carried back to the
  				requesting form.
  223.0	FmPickAMeter	Form	EMS	This form provides a common mechanism for displaying a
  				list of meters/wells to a user and having one of them
  				selected and carried back to the requesting form.
  224.0	FmPickAPipeline	Form	EMS	This form provides a common mechanism for displaying a
  				list of pipe/fields to a user and having one of them selected
  				and carried back to the requesting form.
  225.0	fmPickAReport	Form	EMS	This form provides a common mechanism for displaying a
  				list of reports to a user and having one of them selected
  				and carried back to the requesting form.
  226.0	FmPipeDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides the detail update form for updating
  				pipe/field information on the system.
  227.0	fmPipelineActuals	Form	EMS	This is the main form used for enter actual volumes for
  				meters/wells on the system. The form includes a
  				calculator function for propagating the volumes across all
  				days for the highlighted meter/well.
  228.0	fmPipeList	Form	EMS	This form provides the list form to show all pipe/fields
  				currently defined within the system. Options exist on this
  				form to add, update or delete a pipe/field.
  229.0	FmPriceComponentsDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides the screen for updating the detail ‘price
  				tags’ that have been setup on the system. These price
  				tags allow us to identify the various portions of a sale or
  				purchase price.
  230.0	FmPriceComponentsList	Form	EMS	This form provides a grid list of all price components (tags)
  				that have been setup on the system.
  231.0	fmPriceIndexUpdates	Form	EMS	This form provides a list of all prices for the daily index
  				Prices. When entering this form the default date is set to
  				the current date. When prices are being entered on
  				‘Mondays’ there is a ‘copy to previous weekend’ button
  				which will allow for all prices to be propagated back to the
  				previous weekend. Monthly index prices are entered on
  				day 1 only for a given month.
  232.0	FmPriceIndicesDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides a screen for updating the price index
  				information on the database (IndexRef table). This
  				includes display order, name, etc.
  233.0	FmPriceIndicesList	Form	EMS	This form provides an ‘updateable’ grid list that shows all
  				price indices on the system. Options exist here to invoke
  				the add/update function (fmPriceIndicesDetail).
  234.0	fmPricesByIndexList	Form	EMS	This form provides a graphic and tabular view of index
  			PCC	prices for a given month.
  235.0	FmPrinterDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides a detail entry form for updating the
  				printer information stored on the system.
  236.0	fmPrinterList	Form	EMS	This form provides a list form that shows all printers
  				currently defined on the system.
  237.0	FmProcessingCodesDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides the detail form for updating a given set
  				of reference (processing codes).
  238.0	FmProcessingCodesList	Form	EMS	This form provides the list form for showing all of the
  				processing codes. Options exist on this form to add,
  				update or delete a given code.
  239.0	FmProcessingCodesPick	Form	EMS	This form provides an ability to ‘pick’ a particular reference
  				code and send it back to the form that invoked the screen.
  240.0	FmProcessingCodeTypesDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides the detail form for updating a given set
  				of processing code types (types of reference codes).
  241.0	fmProcessingCodeTypesList	Form	EMS	This form provides the list form for showing all of the
  				processing code types. Options exist on this form to add,
  				update or delete a given type.
  242.0	FmProdVolCofirms	Form	EMS	This form provides the mechanism for recognizing volumes
  				that were returned by producers. In addition, options exist
  				on this form to send out producer confirmations.
  243.0	FmProdVolHist	Form	EMS	This form provides a history list of royalty and makeup
  				percentage interests, by the owner, for a given meter/well.
  244.0	FmProdVolList	Form	EMS	This form provides the mechanism for entering initial
  				volumes (expected availability) from producers. Option
  				exist on this form to send out producer availability estimate
  				reports.
  245.0	FmReportDefaultsDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides a detail screen for setting up the default
  				reports that will be used by entity, product and service on
  				the system. These reports include invoices, vouchers,
  				remittance, etc.
  246.0	FmReportDefaultsList	Form	EMS	This form provides a list screen for showing all of the
  				default reports that are setup by entity, product and service
  				on the system. These reports include invoices, vouchers,
  				remittance, etc.
  247.0	FmReportOverridesDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides a detail screen for setting up the
  				override reports that will be used by entity, product and
  				service on the system ASSOCIATE TO A SPECIFIC
  				CONTRACT. These reports include invoices, vouchers,
  				remittance, etc.
  248.0	FmReportsList	Form	EMS	This is the primary form used for displaying a reporting
  			PCC	folder. Within this folder are all of the reporting ‘tabs’ that
  				are available. Within each tab are all of the specific reports
  				that can be run. A submission, and view button are
  				available here.
  249.0	FmReportsParameters	Form	EMS	This is the form that is used when entering the various
  			PCC	parameters when a report is submitted. Defaults are
  				automatically supplied and the parameters are listed in a
  				grid list format.
  250.0	fmReportsView	Form	EMS	This is the main view form for viewing all of the submitted
  			PCC	reports. Options exist to view the reports specifically
  				submitted by a user OR to view the reports that were
  				submitted by the scheduler.
  251.0	fmSecurityAuthDetail	Form	EMS	This form represents the form for establishing and updating
  				security authorizations between users and business
  				functions within the Energy Management System. Options
  				exist here to allow for users to have NO ACCESS, READ
  				ONLY, READ/UPDATE, READ/UPDATE/DELETE or
  				SUPER access to a particular area of application.
  252.0	fmSecurityAuthList	Form	EMS	This form provides a listing of all security authorizations
  				that are set for each user on the Energy Management
  				System. Options exist on this form to add, update and
  				delete specific security authorizations for any given user of
  				the system.
  253.0	FmsRptsinvoice	Form	EMS	This is the primary form used for submitting standard
  				invoice reports.
  254.0	FmsRptsRemittance	Form	EMS	This is the primary form used for submitting standard
  				remittance reports.
  255.0	fmsRptsVoucher	Form	EMS	This is the primary form used for submitting standard
  				voucher reports.
  256.0	FmTransactionDetail	Form	EMS	This form provides for the entry of ‘Other Cost’ transactions
  				within EMS. Once these transactions are setup in the
  				system, then they can be attached to deals and
  				calculations will be done against them.
  257.0	FmTransactionList	Form	EMS	This form provides a list of all the ‘Other Cost’ transactions
  				that have been setup on the system.
  258.0	fmUserProfilesDetail	Form	EMS	This form represents the creation and update form for all
  				users on the Energy Management System. This form
  				provides an administrator with the ability to change name,
  				password, title, default printer, etc. for all users on the
  				system.
  259.0	fmUserProfilesList	Form	EMS	This form provides a listing of all users that are capable of
  				using the Energy Management System. Options exist on
  				this form to add, update or delete a specific user.
  260.0	fmGasControlMainMenu	Form	EMS	This form represents the main menu for the Energy
  				Management System. All menu options, speed buttons,
  				etc are stored on this form. This particular form is also
  				responsible for invoking the methods to establish a
  				connection and set the form screen attributes (based on
  				user preferences).
  261.0	fmProducerControlCenterMain	Form	PCC	This form represents the main menu for the Producer
  				Control Center. All menu options, speed buttons, etc are
  				stored on this form. This particular form is also responsible
  				for invoking the methods to establish a connection and set
  				the form screen attributes (based on user preferences).

APPLICATION (CLIEN-SIDE) SOFTWARE
• The table that follows contains the high-level documentation related to the systems and methods provided by the present invention and, in particular, those sub-functions and applications that run client-side in the context of the present invention. In the table that follows, the terms EMS and PCC are used to differentiate (as described above), between a full use application system and a limited use/user/function application system that are provided by the present invention. The actual source code for such application software is contained among the files found on the attached compact disc. [0107]
PRICING AND PRICING TECHNIQUES
• So far in the aforementioned detailed discussion the present invention, it has been assumed that the particular pricing techniques may be employed to price one or more fuel deals automatically. The present invention certainly permits fuel deals to be priced based on a variety of factors germane to the energy field. Additionally, the systems and methods provided by the present invention permit fuel deals to be priced automatically, in batch or otherwise, based on pricing techniques which are modularized and which are carried out automatically based on prior or other collections of fuel deals and other fuel deal data. Accordingly, teams of sales personnel can have deals priced based on company specifications to meet margin requirements, etc. [0108]
• One such technique implemented as a modularized process capable of pricing one or more fuel deals in accordance with the present invention is referred to as the WASP technique which stands for the Weighted Average Selling Price technique. WASP permits one or more fuel deals (usually a collection) to be priced to meet organization pricing targets (and margin requirements) based on computed average sales prices across collections of fuel deals. The WASP technique and its supporting computer software are contained herein for purposes of example to illustrate the novelty of having a system that can incorporate a substitutable pricing technique (algorithm) into a business process like or similar to the one depicted in and discussed in regard to FIG. 1. [0109]
The WASP Calculation
• This particular section contains information on the calculation that occurs to price deals. In the context of the present invention, it is envisioned that there are three situations that can trigger a pricing calculation: [0110]
• 1. The price calculation can be submitted at any time by individuals with appropriate security using the System online pricing screen (see FIGS. [0111] 4A-4Q). Only those production months in a ‘Sales’ (nomination recalculated) or ‘Invoiced’ (actual recalculated) status can be submitted through this screen;
• 2. When the status for a production month goes from ‘Sales’ to ‘Invoiced’ a final nomination is performed. In addition, when the status of a production month goes from ‘Invoiced’ to ‘Accounting’ a final actuals calculation is performed. These production month status ‘promotions’ occur through the EMS online screens (by individuals with an appropriate level of security); and [0112]
• 3. Each evening, for example, all production months that are in either the ‘Sales’ or ‘Invoice’ status will have a calculation cycle run for them. This calculation begins at approximately 8:00 CST, for example. This ensures that all variables (price index entries, volumes, routing instructions, etc.) that could influence the price of a given set of deals are recalculated and presented as current, the first thing in the morning. [0113]
• The entire calculation process is comprised entirely of MS SQL-Server Transact-SQL stored procedures. The ‘flow’ of the calculation can be described with reference to the following six (6) stages: [0114]
• [0115] Stage 1. Sales Deal Calculations
• Calculate all sales deals first (all pools and deal classifications). This is done because knowing the sales prices (by pool) is required for the following purchase deal calculations. [0116]
• [0117] Stage 2 WASP Deal Preparation
• This particular stage simply prepares the WASPResolvedRouting table with initial sales pool total dollars and volumes. This is the primary table that is used when repeatedly (such as via iteration) tracing all volumes from the sales point back to originating purchase points. [0118]
• [0119] Stage 3 Purchase Deal ‘None’ Pool (3 ^rd Party) Calculations
• All third party purchase deals (belonging to the ‘None’ (pool) are calculated first. The reason for this is because of the potential that some of these deals having Financial Overrides that are to be distributed to either a ‘Common’ WASP pool OR to a specific deal. By doing these calculations first, the profit gain or loss (for the financial overrides) can be determined and posted to the appropriate place in the WASPResolvedRouting table. [0120]
• [0121] Stage 4 Purchase Deal ‘Dedicated’ Pool (Sanctioned Sales) Calculations
• All sanctioned sales purchase deals are now calculated. The price for these purchases is driven based on a weighted average basis of the sales meters. Sanctioned sale purchase exist in their own pool (‘Dedicated’) so that no other purchases volumes (and sales of those volumes) will impact the price calculated. Netback percentages are applied. [0122]
• [0123] Stage 5 Purchase Deal ‘Common’ Pool (Equity) Calculations
• All equity deals are then calculated. The price for these purchases is driven based on a weighted average basis of the sales meters. All purchases that are classified as ‘equity’ will share in pricing and costing (weighted). The pricing is based on the ‘common’ body. Any given purchase deal classified as equity could potentially impact the price that other purchase deals (in the ‘common’ pool) calculates. Netback percentages are applied. [0124]
• [0125] Stage 6 Transportation Costs
• This stage of the calculation aggregates all of the transport volumes throughout the month to special transport deals and volume inventory items. [0126]
• Each of the aforementioned stages of the calculation are invoked from a stored procedure called usp_PSPriceAutoMonth. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the process flows corresponding to these ‘stages’ and the flow of the stored procedures (discussed above) invoked during the calculation. The ordering of these procedures can be tied back to the stages just described above. Actual WASP calculation routines are listed below to aid the reader to completely understand the nature using a predetermined pricing technique in accordance with the present invention. [0127]
Weighted Average Sales Price Calculation Routines
• The following software routines implement a weighted average sales pricing technique that may be incorporated within a computing environment such as within a server-side processing system to facilitate fuel deal pricing in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, in the context of the instant invention, the following routines provide a predetermined pricing technique for pricing fuel deals based on past, present, or future deals, or combinations thereof. The following routines are found among the files contained on the attached compact disc, and also have been commented to assist those of ordinary skill in the art understand the details related to actual implementation. [0128]

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
• The present invention has been disclosed, illustrated, and described in relation to a client-server application that facilitates pricing and distribution of fuel to a customer. Although centralized data storage and manipulation is preferred in regard to the version of the system that has been provided, the inventors contemplate other applications and enhancements that certainly are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention relies on data inputs and feeds from a variety of entities such as producers, transporters, etc. Although such data inputs are often entered manually into the systems provided by the present invention, such data inputs could be automatically delivered and stored within data store [0129] 106 (FIG. 2). For example, transporters controlling actual meters along a gas pipeline, for example, could be outfitted with remote sensors and transmitters that provide shipment volume, etc. details directly to the systems provided by the present invention. Moreover, data inputs such as indexing datum used to drive pricing, etc. may be similarly obtained. And, since such data inputs can come from a variety of sources, modern communications technologies such as the Internet, wireless technologies, etc. could all be used to couple an operator of the systems and methods provided by the present invention with such sources. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to any particular data retrieval system, topology, method, or paradigm. Those skilled in the art will be immediately able to adapt and modify the underlying data collection capabilities of the systems and methods provided by the present invention to incorporate such new and modern technologies and techniques.
• Finally, it should be noted that the present invention contemplates and provides for an elaborate reporting capability as provided within the software contained on the attached compact disc. Those skilled in the art of computer programming and those familiar with fuel deal management will immediately understand that any number of report may be prepared to suit and satisfy management requirements. The database tables maintained by the present invention certainly support all types of relational type queries that such reports may require. [0130]
• Thus, having fully described the present invention by way of example with reference to the attached drawing figures, it will be readily appreciated that many changes and modifications may be made to the invention and to any of the exemplary embodiments shown and/or described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims. [0131]

Claims (21)

What is claimed is:

1. A method for facilitating sale and distribution of fuel to a fuel customer, comprising the following step:

at a server facility, storing store fuel deal data, and processing said fuel deal data to automatically generate pricing data based on said fuel deal data and in accordance with a predetermined pricing technique;

at a client facility coupled to said server facility via an electronic data network, permitting a user to enter said fuel deal data and to cause said server facility to store and process said fuel deal data to automatically generate said pricing data; and

permitting said fuel to be sold and distributed to a fuel customer via a fuel distribution system based on said fuel deal data and said automatically generated pricing data.

1. The method according to claim 1, wherein said server facility and said client facility are coupled to each other via the Internet.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said server facility and said client facility are coupled to each other via open standards based protocols.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said server facility includes a data storage facility storing said fuel deal data.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said server facility automatically generates said pricing data periodically.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said server facility is further configured to be accessed by a plurality of other client facilities simultaneously.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said client facility is remotely located away from said server facility and said client facility acts as a data collection point for collecting data that said server facility uses in automatically generating said pricing data.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined pricing technique involves basing prices for fuel deals based on past fuel deals.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined pricing technique involves said server facility generating a weighted average selling price based on prior fuel deals.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined pricing technique is implemented within said server facility as a software module running within said server facility.

10. A method for facilitating sale and distribution of fuel to a fuel customer, comprising the steps of:

at a server facility, storing fuel deal data, and processing said fuel deal data to automatically generate pricing data based on said fuel deal data and in accordance with a predetermined pricing technique, said predetermined pricing technique controlling said server facility to compute fuel prices based on weighted averages of fuel prices maintained within said fuel deal data;

at a client facility outfitted with a client application and coupled to said server facility via an electronic data network, permitting a user to enter said fuel deal data and to cause said server facility to store and process said fuel deal data to generate said pricing data, said client application configured to access said electronic data network and to establish communications with said server facility; and

permitting said fuel to be sold and distributed to a fuel customer via a fuel distribution system based on said fuel deal data and said automatically generated pricing data.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said server facility and said client facility are coupled to each other via the Internet.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein said server facility and said client facility are coupled to each other via open standards based protocols.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein said server facility includes a data storage facility storing said fuel deal data.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein said server facility automatically generated said pricing data periodically.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein said server facility is further configured to be accessed by a plurality of other client facilities simultaneously.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein said client facility is remotely located away from said server facility and said client facility acts as a data collection point for collecting data that said server facility uses in automatically generating said pricing data.

17. The method according to claim 10, wherein said predetermined pricing technique involves basing prices for fuel deals based on past fuel deals.

18. The method according to claim 10, wherein said predetermined pricing technique involves said server facility generating a weighted average selling price based on prior fuel deals.

19. The method according to claim 10, wherein said predetermined pricing technique is implemented within said server facility as a software module running within said server facility.

20. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of providing a graphical user interface to a user of said client facility, said graphical user interface permitting said user to engage in operations and to cause said server facility to automatically computer said fuel prices.

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